Health Crisis: Most Lagos Police Officers Battle BP, Diabetes Due To Work Stress

The revelation comes as the Nigeria Police Force intensifies medical screening for officers across Commands in Lagos, with the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, hosting the Force Director of Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Eze, and her team on August 24, 2026.

Key Findings: Police Health in Lagos

– 28% prevalence of hypertension among Police personnel in a recent metropolitan study

– 22% of cases newly detected during routine screening

– Major risk factors: Stress, less physical activity, high salt intake, poor diet, obesity

– Linked conditions: Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, kidney disease

– New intervention: LSSTF has embedded free health checks into statewide Police training

Health Data Shows Rising Cases Among Police

Medical experts say Police work is ranked among occupations with high risk for stress-related illnesses. According to a study on Police personnel in a metropolitan city, the prevalence of hypertension was 28%, with 6% already detected and 22% newly detected during screening.

Risk factors identified include smoking, less physical activity, use of extra salt, mixed diet, and high body mass index.

A systematic review on Police officers and security agents also linked the job to high rates of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, noting that exposure to violence and chronic stress directly affects their health.

In Lagos specifically, health professionals warn that metabolic syndrome is a serious threat to security personnel exposed to demanding lifestyles.

Dr. Diya Ololade Oluwadamilola, who led a health session for Lagos security operatives, explained that hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol levels are closely connected. He added that stroke, heart attack, blood-vessel damage and kidney disease are major complications when these conditions remain undetected.

A consultant at Lagos University Teaching Hospital also noted that people in high-pressure jobs like policing tend to run higher blood pressure and blood sugar levels, with reduced sleep and constant strain on the heart.

“When an officer works 12-hour shifts, sleeps poorly, and eats at odd hours, the body breaks down,” the consultant said. “Over time, this leads to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, poor sleep, and mental health challenges such as anxiety.”

One officer at FCID Annex who asked not to be named said: “Sometimes we go days without proper rest. The job is stressful. By the time you close, you are tired and in pain. Many of us just manage it.”

Following these findings, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, has embedded health checks into its Statewide Multi-Agency Training Programme to ensure security personnel across Lagos prioritize their well-being.

The Executive Secretary of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said the programme recognizes that building a professional security architecture goes beyond weapons and equipment. It also requires investing in the physical and emotional wellbeing of personnel.

“As our officers acquire knowledge and strengthen their professional capacity, it is important that their personal well-being is accorded top priority,” Dr. Ogunsan said.

At the FCID Annex, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom called for routine medical checks by qualified doctors and improved access to the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, for detectives and other personnel. He stressed that regular assessments will aid early detection and ensure officers remain physically and mentally fit.

AIG Nkechi Eze said her team had inspected medical facilities across formations in Lagos and assured that identified needs would be addressed. She emphasized that policing in 2026 comes with increasing psychological demands, making mental evaluation necessary.

“Health is wealth. We cannot have effective policing if our officers are sick,” AIG Akpanudom stated during the visit.

Similar initiatives have started in other commands. The Kwara State Police Command recently launched the “Know Your Number” campaign targeting preventable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and prostate cancer. Medical teams carried out free screenings including blood pressure and blood sugar checks to identify early warning signs.

Experts say maintaining good health is fundamental to effective policing and public service delivery. Officers on shift duties often experience disrupted sleep patterns, which can impair cognitive function and strain relationships.

For female officers, studies show additional stress from balancing domestic responsibilities with professional duties, increasing risk of hypertension, fatigue and insomnia.

Health officials recommend regular rest, exercise, adequate sleep, and mental health support as preventive measures. The Nigeria Police Force says the medical screening programme will be expanded to other commands nationwide to strengthen preventive healthcare and reduce avoidable fatalities in service.

The FCID Annex said it remains committed to initiatives that promote welfare and professional efficiency, in line with the vision of a healthier and more people-oriented Nigeria Police Force.

Are you a Police officer or family member? What health support do you think the Police needs most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Tags: Nigeria Police, Lagos Police Health, Hypertension, Diabetes, Police Welfare, FCID Annex, LSSTF, AIG Nkechi Eze, AIG Simeon Akpanudom, ASP Mayegun Aminat