The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has recorded significant operational breakthroughs in its fight against crime, leading to the arrest of suspected telecommunication infrastructure vandals, the recovery of counterfeit products, and the investigation of high-profile fraud cases.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon Uakpanudom, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing highlighting the command’s achievements between March 30 and June 25, 2026.
According to the AIG, the command received a total of 1,762 petitions and complaints within the period under review, out of which 1,725 were assigned for investigation, while 56 cases had been concluded and prosecuted in various courts.
He revealed that the INTERPOL unit of the command rescued 45 victims of human trafficking, arrested four human trafficking suspects, apprehended four persons on international watchlists and Red Notices, while two suspects were arrested abroad and returned to Nigeria.
Speaking on the command’s operational successes, Uakpanudom said operatives arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate involved in the vandalism of telecommunication facilities and other critical infrastructure in Ayobo area of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The suspects identified as Ezekiel Omoloye, 46, Olaoluwa Shuwunmi, 44, and Olaleye Kehinde, 41, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation carried out on June 19, 2026.
Items recovered from the suspects included a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, solar batteries, solar panels, cable cutters, iron cutters, ropes, two tricycles, a Toyota Camry car and a Toyota Sienna bus.
The AIG said preliminary investigations indicated that the recovered items were used in the vandalism of telecommunication installations and other critical infrastructure across Lagos State.
He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, while the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
In another development, the FCID Annex is investigating allegations of illegal importation and counterfeiting of a cosmetic product known as Baby Secret Cream following a petition by Flawless Cosmetics.
Police investigations led to the recovery of 331 cartons of suspected counterfeit products from a warehouse in the Trade Fair area of Lagos.
Some suspected distributors and peddlers of the products have been arrested and are assisting investigators in locating additional warehouses and identifying the alleged mastermind behind the operation.
The command is also investigating a case of alleged obtaining money by false pretence, cheating and illegal procurement of abortion involving a 22-year-old woman identified as Onyekachi Winner Mmerichukwu.
According to police findings, the suspect allegedly obtained the sum of N16.17 million from her fiancé under the pretext of pregnancy-related medical expenses, antenatal care and treatment.
Investigators further alleged that the pregnancy was terminated at about five months at a private medical facility in Ajah, Lagos.
The suspect and a nurse attached to the medical facility have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the medical director of the hospital.
AIG Uakpanudom reiterated the commitment of the FCID Annex, Lagos, to combating crime, protecting critical national infrastructure, preserving intellectual property rights, and ensuring diligent prosecution of offenders.
He called on members of the public to continue supporting the Nigeria Police Force with credible and timely information to aid crime prevention and detection.
The police chief also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of FCID, DIG Margaret Ochalla, as well as members of the public and relevant stakeholders for their support and cooperation.
