The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has recorded significant breakthroughs in the fight against organised crime, cyber related offences, infrastructure vandalism, product counterfeiting and fraud, reinforcing the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to intelligence driven policing and effective criminal investigations.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex, Simeon U. Akpanudom, said the command had strengthened its operational capacity through improved detective training, infrastructure renewal, enhanced personnel welfare and strategic partnerships since he assumed office on March 30, 2026.
Akpanudom disclosed that detectives of the command underwent specialised training in cryptocurrency tracing and digital investigations in collaboration with United States security agencies through the US Consulate in Lagos, while additional officers also benefited from capacity building programmes organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund to improve professionalism and inter agency collaboration.
He added that the command had embarked on several infrastructure projects, including the renovation of holding cells, installation of solar powered lighting systems, construction of security facilities and improvement of operational offices to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
According to the AIG, personnel welfare has also received greater attention through regular leave approvals, improved access to medical services and initiatives designed to boost morale, productivity and operational effectiveness.
The police chief said the command equally deepened collaboration with key institutions, including the judiciary, correctional service, immigration authorities, traditional rulers, anti corruption agencies, professional bodies and diplomatic missions to strengthen intelligence gathering and public confidence in policing.
Providing operational statistics, Akpanudom revealed that the FCID Annex received 1,762 petitions between March 30 and June 25, 2026. Of the total, 1,725 cases were assigned for investigation, while 56 investigations had been concluded and processed for prosecution. He added that several other cases were at advanced stages of investigation and legal review.
He further disclosed that the INTERPOL unit attached to the command rescued 45 victims of human trafficking, arrested four trafficking suspects, apprehended four persons on international watchlists, secured the return of two suspects from foreign countries and facilitated the repatriation of three victims.
Highlighting one of the command’s major breakthroughs, the AIG announced the arrest of three suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for vandalising telecommunications infrastructure across Lagos. Police recovered a locally made pistol, live ammunition, solar batteries, solar panels, cutting equipment, ropes, two tricycles, a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Sienna believed to have been used in the criminal operations.
He said investigations indicated that the suspects specialised in stealing equipment from telecommunications installations and other critical national infrastructure, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang before their prosecution.
In another development, the FCID said it uncovered a large scale counterfeiting operation involving the popular Baby Secret Cream following a petition by a cosmetics manufacturer. Detectives recovered 331 cartons of suspected counterfeit products from warehouses within the Trade Fair Market in Lagos, while several distributors have been arrested to assist investigators in tracking the alleged mastermind behind the illegal importation and distribution network.
The command also confirmed the investigation of an alleged fraud case in which a 22 year old woman was accused of obtaining more than ₦16.17 million from her fiancé after allegedly deceiving him into believing she was pregnant. Police alleged that the pregnancy was later unlawfully terminated at about five months with the involvement of a nurse at a private medical facility. Both suspects have been remanded, while efforts continue to arrest the hospital’s medical director.
Akpanudom reaffirmed that every suspect found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that the command remains committed to protecting critical national infrastructure, safeguarding intellectual property rights, combating economic crimes and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
The AIG expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the FCID, Margaret Agebe Ochalla, partner agencies and members of the public for their support, urging Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security agencies in preventing and combating crime across the country.