NPF Launches Health Campaign in Kwara to Curb Sudden Deaths Among Officers
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts to safeguard the health of its personnel with the launch of the “Know Your Number” campaign in Kwara State, a preventive healthcare initiative designed to address common medical conditions linked to sudden collapse and death among officers.
The campaign was flagged off by the Director of Force Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Ifeoma Eze, as part of ongoing measures aimed at improving the welfare, health status, and operational efficiency of police personnel across the country.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the initiative aligns with the welfare-driven agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to build a healthier and more resilient workforce capable of effectively carrying out its constitutional duties.
Addressing officers and men of the command during health sensitisation lectures, AIG Eze warned against the dangers of undetected health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, prostate cancer and other silent ailments that often go unnoticed until they become life-threatening.
She stressed the importance of routine medical checks and early diagnosis in preventing avoidable complications and saving lives.
“The ‘Know Your Number’ Campaign is designed to encourage personnel to routinely monitor key health indicators, embrace preventive healthcare practices, and seek timely medical intervention where necessary,” she said.
The senior police officer noted that maintaining good health was not only essential for personal wellbeing but also critical to effective policing and quality service delivery to the public.
As part of the exercise, medical professionals conducted free health screenings for officers, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, alongside other basic medical examinations aimed at helping personnel understand their health status.
Speaking on the initiative, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, commended the Inspector-General of Police and the Force Medical Services Department for extending the programme to the state command.
He assured that the command would continue to support policies and programmes targeted at improving the welfare, wellbeing and professional efficiency of police personnel.
The campaign is expected to boost awareness among officers about preventive healthcare and encourage regular medical monitoring as a means of reducing health-related emergencies within the Force.
