Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has commenced activities to mark the 2026 National Police Day with a large-scale environmental sanitation exercise and a community-focused medical outreach, underscoring its commitment to public safety, preventive healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Speaking on Monday, during the exercise in Abakaliki, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, said the initiative forms part of a nationwide programme aimed at strengthening police-community relations while promoting health consciousness and environmental responsibility among citizens.
According to him, the sanitation exercise, which was simultaneously conducted at the State Command Headquarters and extended to the busy Sperando axis of Abakaliki capital city, targeted the removal of accumulated waste and environmental hazards that pose risks to public health and security.
“The Command deemed it necessary to bring this exercise to Sperando due to its strategic importance as a commercial hub and its high human and vehicular traffic. The volume of refuse evacuated from the area reflects the urgent need for sustained environmental hygiene practices,” Ukandu stated.
He noted that indiscriminate waste disposal, including plastics, sachet water nylons, and food containers, not only degrades the environment but also contributes to public health challenges and obstructs urban safety management systems.
In parallel with the sanitation exercise, the Command is conducting a free medical outreach at the Police Officers’ Mess, offering essential health services to both police personnel and members of the public. The outreach includes screening for vital health indicators such as blood pressure, blood glucose levels, HIV, and hepatitis B, among other routine medical checks.
Ukandu emphasized that the health initiative is designed to promote early detection and prevention of non-communicable and infectious diseases, thereby enhancing the overall well-being and operational readiness of officers while extending critical healthcare access to the community.
“This outreach is open to all members of the public. We encourage residents to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their health status and receive professional medical advice,” he added.
As part of the weeklong activities, the Command has scheduled a walk-a-thon aimed at promoting physical fitness among officers and increasing public visibility of policing efforts.
The exercise will involve officers traversing major routes within the Abakaliki metropolis, reinforcing the message of a people-oriented police force.
Additionally, a sensitization campaign is planned to address key societal concerns, including traffic regulation compliance and electoral integrity. The programme will engage transport operators, commuters, and critical stakeholders in discussions on road safety, lawful conduct, and the prevention of electoral offences such as ballot snatching and violence.
The Police Command reiterated that the National Police Day activities are being replicated across state commands nationwide as part of a coordinated strategy to deepen public trust, enhance civic responsibility, and reaffirm the Nigeria Police Force’s role in safeguarding lives, property, and public health.
The Command assured that it will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies and community stakeholders to sustain the gains of the exercise and promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment across Ebonyi State.
Residents including John Obaji, Uzoma Orji, Kiran Nwofoke, who witnessed the sanitation exercise commended the initiative, noting a visible transformation in the Sperando area, which had previously been characterised by significant waste accumulation.
