AIG FCID ANNEX, LAGOS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL POLICING, STRENGTHENS DETECTIVES’ CAPACITY IN CRIMINAL PROFILING AND FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION | Blissful Affairs Online
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom psc fdc mspsp Fcai MNIM, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights and the delivery of effective, intelligence-led investigative services.
The AIG made this known during a general lecture held on Monday, 26 October 2026, where he addressed critical issues relating to professional conduct, investigative standards, public complaints, the welfare of persons in police custody and the need to sustain public confidence in the Police.
Expressing concern over complaints against police officers, particularly allegations of unprofessional conduct, the AIG emphasized the importance of integrity, discipline and accountability in the discharge of official duties. He warned that misconduct by individual officers could undermine public trust and bring the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
On accountability and proper documentation, the AIG stressed the importance of maintaining accurate records in the management of police firearms and other official responsibilities. He also reiterated the need for valid police identification cards, directing affected personnel to comply with established procedures for their re-issuance.
Addressing officers’ conduct in public and on social media, the AIG called for responsible behaviour both on and off duty. He emphasized strict compliance with the Police Social Media Policy and cautioned personnel against online activities capable of undermining the dignity and professional image of the Force. He further urged officers to exercise restraint in their public statements, particularly during the election period, and to remain professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties.
The AIG reiterated the prohibition of extortion, harassment, torture and other unlawful practices. He stressed that every person in police custody must be treated with dignity and that complaints of illness must be taken seriously and receive prompt medical attention. He further emphasized the responsibility of officers to safeguard the lives and welfare of detainees and ensure that appropriate records are maintained.
On investigative standards, AIG Akpanudom emphasized that investigations must be thorough, impartial, intelligence-led and evidence-based, with strict adherence to established operational procedures and professional standards. He charged Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) to understand the facts of each case before inviting individuals, carefully examine petitions and relevant documents, and develop appropriate action plans to guide their investigations.
He further stressed that police invitation letters must clearly communicate the purpose of the invitation and state the offence under investigation, where applicable. He maintained that every arrest must be founded on lawful grounds and supported by facts established in the course of an investigation. He also reiterated that arrest by proxy is prohibited, emphasizing that no individual should be arrested merely because of their relationship with a suspect.
On the handling of personal belongings of persons in custody, the AIG directed that items not required for investigative purposes or as exhibits should be returned to their rightful owners, while items retained as exhibits must be properly documented and handled in accordance with established procedures.
In furtherance of efforts to strengthen investigative competence, the AIG highlighted the ongoing capacity-building training for detectives in criminal profiling and fingerprint identification, being conducted in batches by the Central Criminal Registry (CCR) and the Forensic Unit. The training is aimed at enhancing detectives’ technical expertise in suspect identification, criminal record management, fingerprint analysis and evidence-based investigations. He underscored the importance of continuous professional development in equipping officers with the requisite knowledge and skills to investigate complex criminal cases and improve the quality of criminal investigations.
The AIG also cautioned officers against unauthorized roadblocks and other activities inconsistent with established procedures of of detectives in FCID. He emphasized the responsibility of team leaders and sectional heads to provide effective supervision, promote discipline and ensure that personnel under their command adhere to professional standards and lawful operational practices.
AIG Akpanudom called on all officers and personnel of the FCID Annex, Lagos, to remain committed to lawful policing, professional service delivery and the protection of citizens’ rights. He reaffirmed that public confidence is essential to effective policing and encouraged members of the public to cooperate with the Police by providing credible information and reporting suspected criminal activities through appropriate channels.
The FCID Annex, Lagos, remains committed to strengthening investigative capacity, promoting accountability, upholding human rights and ensuring that the administration of justice is pursued with fairness, integrity and respect for the rule of law.
ASP Mayegun Aminat O, Anipr Fcai MNISMA.
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Assistant Inspector-General of Police
Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos.
26 October 2026
