AIG Akpanudom calls for regular medical screening, improved healthcare for detectives

Michael Olumide Alabi

Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, has called for regular medical examinations for police detectives and improved access to quality healthcare services for personnel.

Akpanudom made the call when he received the Force Director of Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Eze, and members of her team during a working visit to the FCID Annex in Lagos.

The visit provided an opportunity for both teams to assess the medical facilities at the Annex and deliberate on measures to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve the general welfare of police personnel.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, FCID, ASP Mayegun Aminat, during the visit, the Force Director of Medical Services and her team embarked on an inspection tour of the medical facilities at the FCID Annex, where they assessed existing facilities and identified areas requiring attention and improvement.

Discussions during the engagement focused particularly on the health and welfare of detectives, whose duties often require them to operate under demanding physical and psychological conditions.

The FCID Annex AIG stressed that the health of police personnel must remain a priority, noting that officers can only perform their responsibilities effectively when they are physically and mentally fit.

According to him, “health is wealth,” adding that the physical and mental well-being of officers is critical to efficiency, professionalism and effective policing.

Akpanudom therefore urged the Force Medical Services to ensure appropriate follow-up on the issues identified during the visit, particularly the provision of routine medical checks for detectives and other personnel at the Annex.

He noted that regular medical assessments would help in the early detection of health conditions and enable officers to receive timely medical intervention.

The AIG also called for improved access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) programme for detectives and other personnel, stressing that comprehensive healthcare support would contribute significantly to the welfare, morale and effectiveness of officers.

He emphasised that preventive healthcare should be encouraged within the police system, as routine medical examinations can help personnel identify potential health concerns before they become serious and affect their ability to perform their duties.

Akpanudom commended AIG Eze and her team for the working visit and for their continued commitment to strengthening healthcare services and improving the welfare of personnel across the Nigeria Police Force.

He also appreciated the professional engagement of the Force Medical Services team and their interest in addressing healthcare needs at the FCID Annex.

Responding, the Force Director of Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Eze, expressed appreciation to the FCID Annex AIG for the warm reception accorded her and members of her team.

Eze explained that the visit formed part of broader efforts by the Force Medical Services to inspect and assess medical facilities across various police formations in Lagos.

She assured the FCID Annex management that the requests, observations and healthcare needs identified during the inspection would receive the necessary attention.

The Force Medical Director further pledged continued collaboration with the FCID Annex towards strengthening medical services and improving access to quality healthcare for police personnel.

She noted the importance of synergy between the medical services and various police formations in ensuring that officers receive the healthcare support required to remain healthy, fit and effective in the discharge of their duties.

The engagement ended on a positive note, with the AIG, FCID Annex, presenting a plaque of recognition to AIG Nkechi Eze in appreciation of the visit and the cordial interaction.

The two teams subsequently posed for a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.

The development underscores the growing emphasis on the welfare of police personnel, particularly detectives whose responsibilities within the criminal investigation system require sustained physical alertness, mental resilience and professional efficiency.

The FCID Annex reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare, professional effectiveness and overall well-being of its personnel.

The Annex stated that strengthening healthcare support for police officers remains an important component of building a healthier, more effective and people-oriented Nigeria Police Force.