As part of measures to curb killing of citizens by policemen, guns will no longer be handed to personnel who abuse alcohol and drugs.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone two, Bala Hassan stated this Thursday at the Police College, Ikeja, during the launch of medical kits for urine drug test, as well as mass screening for hypertension and diabetes in the force.
He stated that aside retrieving weapons from the affected officers, the police have set motion in place to ensure they are rehabilitated and rid of the vice before entrusting them with the important duty of saving lives and properties.
“These officers and men need to be very healthy, fit and safe in order to be able to carry out these statutory duties.
“It is in realisation of this that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase has placed health care packages in the hands of all policemen, through the National Health Insurance Scheme, collaborating stakeholders, and now mass screening for hypertension and diabetes in police officers.
The urine drug test for alcohol and drug abuse us aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property of Nigerians from accidental discharges by police officers who carry firearms.
“Hopefully, only policemen that test negative to alcohol and other substance abuse that will be allowed to carry firearms,” he said.
Urging policemen to live healthy lifestyles and stay safe while performing their duties, Bala noted that the health insurance scheme inaugurated by the IGP has 100 percent coverage on all officers and their immediate families.
In her remark, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of Medical, Dr. Modupe Obembe said every police officer was expected to be physically, mentally and socially fit, as well as emotionally stable.
She highlighted the tips for healthy living, urging officers to be mindful of the things they eat and drink.
Obembe also warned policemen to avoid self medication; to be faithful to their partners and avoid unprotected sex; have regular exercise, among others.
