Just In : Tinubu Directs Immediate Payment Of Life Insurance For Deceased Soldiers (DETAILS)
President Bola Tinubu has instructed the prompt settlement of all outstanding Group Life Assurance claims owed to the families of deceased soldiers. He also directed the Armed Forces and other security agencies to decisively address the various security challenges confronting the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, made these announcements on Tuesday while officially commencing the COAS Combined 2nd and 3rd Quarter Conference 2023 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess in Abuja.
He explained, “The Federal Government has a scheme known as the Group Life Assurance, an insurance program designed to provide support to the families of our fallen heroes. This scheme operates by the government paying premiums to insurance companies, and in the event of death, the insurance companies provide claims to the families of our departed heroes.”
“However, we have a backlog of claims from 2012 to 2022, during which claims were not settled. Some individuals lost their lives in the line of duty to the nation. The insurance companies had the option to either pay the premiums or not, which is why the Federal Government has taken the responsibility to clear that backlog and provide relief to the families of our departed heroes.”
Lagbaja emphasized that the welfare of troops and their families will remain a top priority in all efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces. He also highlighted that the Nigerian Army has established specialized Special Forces units with specially trained personnel to combat various criminal activities across the country, further enhancing its operational capabilities.
He added that these Special Forces units have achieved commendable results through intelligence-led operations and the use of specialized equipment. Lagbaja urged field commanders to ensure the proper maintenance of sophisticated platforms and equipment procured by the army to extend their lifespan and allow the nation to optimize its investments.
The COAS pointed out that the operations of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East have effectively contained Boko Haram and other terrorist activities in the region, leading to a significant surrender of members from these groups and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.
