As part of the payment of the Armed Forces Insurance scheme for 2016, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali has disbursed cheques to 218 Next of Kin of soldiers killed in the line of duty.

Dan-Ali while distributing the cheques in Abuja on Tuesday said the presentation of claims of deceased soldiers is in fulfilment of the objectives of the present government for the welfare of their Next of Kin.

He noted that military officers and men have remain steadfast in the execution of their duties, spread across the various flashpoints in the country fighting insurgency, militancy and  communal clashes in the bid to ensure national security.

He said: “Unfortunately, as with all conflicts, lives have been lost and family units disrupted as their bread winners pay the ultimate sacrifice in the discharge of their duties.”

“On behalf of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, I wish to convey our sincerest and heartfelt condolence to all the Next of Kins here present and across the Nation, Nigeria owes the gallant officers and men our eternal gratitude, respect and prayers.” He added.

He also noted that the life insurance claims paid over the years has grown tremendously as a result of heightened activities of insurgents in the north east and continued militancy in the Niger-Delta especially during the 2015/2016 scheme period.

He further said it is gratifying that with improved security and overwhelming success in the fight against insurgency fewer casualties will be recorded in the years to come.