Wednesday September 30, 2026
By SituationREPORT
The Nigeria Police Force is seeking to deepen professional collaboration with the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, as part of efforts to strengthen veterinary services supporting its specialised operational units.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, received the NVMA delegation, led by its President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, where both sides examined areas of cooperation between the veterinary profession and the Police.
At the centre of the engagement was the need to enhance the veterinary support available to the Force, particularly services connected to its Canine Units and Mounted Troops.
The discussions provided an opportunity for the Police and the professional body to consider ways of improving animal health management, strengthening institutional cooperation and bringing additional veterinary expertise into Police operations.
A major component of the proposed collaboration is increased professional support for Police veterinary facilities.
The partnership is also expected to focus on improving the care and operational effectiveness of police dogs and horses, whose roles form part of the specialised capabilities deployed by the Force.
Beyond animal care, the meeting also considered the development of the Nigeria Police Veterinary Laboratory.
The laboratory provides veterinary diagnostic, research and support functions for the Force, making its capacity relevant to the health management of animals used in policing duties.
The Police and the NVMA therefore discussed the importance of continued engagement with international partners towards upgrading the facility and expanding its capacity.
The development of stronger veterinary infrastructure could provide the Force with improved access to specialised diagnostic and professional services while supporting the health and performance of animals deployed in operational roles.
The meeting consequently placed emphasis on sustained cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and the veterinary profession, with both sides exploring practical areas through which professional expertise can be deployed to support Police veterinary services.
The engagement is expected to strengthen institutional ties between the Force and the NVMA while contributing to improved animal health management and the operational readiness of specialised Police units.
For the Police, the collaboration represents an effort to bring professional veterinary support more closely into the management of the animals that form part of its specialised operational resources.
For the NVMA, the engagement provides an avenue for the veterinary profession to contribute its expertise to the development of animal health services within a major national security institution.
The discussions ended with a shared focus on sustained cooperation, professional support and the strengthening of facilities and services required to maintain healthy and operationally effective Police animals.
(Independent)