Iwendi: Police introduce compulsory medical check for officers

07.05.2008

The Nigeria Police Force said on Tuesday that it had introduced compulsory medical check up for all officers from Assistant Commissioner of Police and above.

The development came one day after the death of Mr Haz Iwendi, the Commission of Police for Kaduna State, who was reported to have slumped and passed away.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, said this on Tuesday in Abuja when the police management team paid him a condolence visit.

“Henceforth, ACPs, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Commissioners of Police (CPs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) must go for annual medical check up abroad to certify their health status,’’ Okiro said.

He said that while ACPs would have the option of undergoing their medical check up in the country, DCs and CPs must go outside the country to enable them to have a good rest.

Okiro, however, said “the force will not pay for it (check up) but it is compulsory.” He said he was optimistic that all DCs and above could afford to travel out side the country for medical check up.

“The level of stress in police work is too much, so we must not kill ourselves, the job will continue whether we are alive or not,” he said.