Police Week: Officers sweep streets, offer free medicare across Nigeria
Police operatives across several state commands yesterday embarked on sanitation exercises and free medical outreach programmes as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Week. The social services reinforced
- By Precious Igbonwelundu, Elo Edremoda, Warri, Chris Njoku, Owerri and Simon Utebor, Asaba
Police operatives across several state commands yesterday embarked on sanitation exercises and free medical outreach programmes as part of activities marking the 2026 National Police Week.
The social services reinforced the Force’s commitment to people-centred policing and stronger ties with communities.
Across the participating commands, the activities highlighted soft power, which is focused on service, prevention and partnership in line with the directives of the Inspector General (IGP) Olatunji Disu.
The police presence on the streets reassured citizens of the service’s readiness to protect lives and support community wellbeing.
In Lagos, officers cleaned major public spaces, including Computer Village, Ikeja Under Bridge, Onikan and Obalende, as well as communities hosting divisions and area commands.
Dressed in branded white T-shirts over their black camouflage uniforms, the personnel cleared refuse from roadsides and public areas, drawing commendation from residents and traders who described the exercise as timely and reassuring.
Police operatives at the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, extended the cleanup exercise to the Onikan Stadium and King George IV roundabout, with the AIG, Olohundare Jimoh, leading the exercise.
At the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, operatives led by the AIG FCID Annex, Simeon U. Akpanudom, cleaned roads, drainages, markets, and other public spaces within the host community.
He noted that the activities would deepen community engagement and reinforce the spirit of service in line with the objectives of the Police Day celebration.
The AIG encouraged members of the public to maintain clean and healthy environments, stressing that collective responsibility and cooperation were essential in building safer communities.
He also reiterated the commitment of the FCID Annex Lagos to professional, people-oriented policing that promotes trust, mutual respect, and collaboration with the public.
Lagos State Police Commissioner Tijani Fatai said the sanitation drive was complemented by a medical outreach at Computer Village, where residents received free health services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, Hepatitis B and C screening, eye examinations, retroviral tests, counselling and medications.
He added that other activities lined up for the week include a route march to demonstrate operational readiness and strengthen public confidence, with the grand finale scheduled to be held in Abuja.
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Similarly, the Delta State Police Command carried out a statewide clean-up across its nine area commands, alongside medical outreach programmes at designated centres, including the State Police Headquarters in Asaba.
Leading the exercise at Anioma Market, Commissioner of Police Yemi John Oyeniyi said the initiative reflected the theme of this year’s celebration, “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
He noted that modern policing extended beyond enforcement to include service, collaboration and public engagement.
Residents also benefited from health checks, consultations and essential medications, while the command encouraged communities to sustain clean and healthy environments.
In Imo State, officers of the command, supported by the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) and the Eastern Waste Management Agency, undertook a sanitation exercise along Okigwe Road through Orji to Ikenegbu in Owerri.
Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso urged residents to comply with environmental regulations and avoid indiscriminate refuse disposal, stressing that a clean environment is vital to public health and safety. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to initiatives that strengthen cooperation between the police and the public.
The state’s POWA Chairperson, Hajia Maryram Bosso, said members joined the exercise in solidarity with officers and to support efforts aimed at promoting healthier communities.
