Odita Sunday 
FCID Lagos Records Major Crime Crackdown, Rescues 45 Trafficking Victims, Recovers Firearms, Counterfeit Goods
By Nzugbe Ezeobi
The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, has announced major operational breakthroughs in its fight against organised crime, revealing the rescue of 45 human trafficking victims, arrests linked to telecom infrastructure vandalism, counterfeit product operations, and a high-profile fraud investigation involving alleged pregnancy deception amounting to over ₦16 million.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U Akpanudom, said the department recorded significant gains between 30 March and 25 June 2026, driven by improved investigative capacity, strategic stakeholder engagement, and enhanced operational efficiency.
According to the AIG, the command processed 1,762 petitions and complaints during the review period. Of these, 18 cases were referred to State Commissioners of Police, 19 forwarded for internal comments, while 1,725 cases were subjected to active investigation and reporting processes.
Fifty-six cases have already been concluded and charged to various courts.
In the area of anti-human trafficking operations, the FCID disclosed that INTERPOL rescued 45 victims from traffickers, arrested four human trafficking suspects, apprehended four persons on Watchlist/Red Notice, secured the return of two suspects arrested outside Nigeria, and facilitated the repatriation of three persons.
AIG Akpanudom attributed part of the progress to investments in personnel development and institutional reforms.
He disclosed that the Annex trained 30 detectives on Crypto Tracing Analysis and Investigation in collaboration with the United States Diplomatic Security Services, Regional Security Office and Internal Revenue Service through the US Consulate General, Lagos, while additional officers benefited from professional development programmes sponsored by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
The command also commenced infrastructure upgrades including construction of a sentry slab, installation of solar lighting systems, renovation of holding cells, office branding, and other legacy projects.
Highlighting operational successes, the AIG announced the arrest of three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in vandalising telecommunication infrastructure in the Ayobo area of Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State.
The suspects identified as Ezekiel Omoloye (46), Olaoluwa Shuwunmi (44), and Olaleye Kehinde (41) were arrested on 19 June 2026 at about 2:00 a.m. following intelligence-led operations.
Recovered exhibits included a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, Deep Sea electronic memory device, four Riyar solar batteries, six solar modules, cable-cutting equipment, ropes, two tricycles, a Toyota Camry (LSD 576 CL) and a Toyota Sienna Bus (LSS 599 JN).
Police said preliminary findings suggest the recovered materials were used in attacks on telecommunications facilities and other critical infrastructure across Lagos.
Efforts, according to the command, are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, while those arrested will face prosecution.
The department also revealed an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal importation and criminal counterfeiting following a petition by Flawless Cosmetics over its trademark product, Baby Secret Cream.
Investigators said a warehouse previously marked as part of the investigation and located at Shop 30, Sambisa Area, Balogun Trade Fair Market, Lagos, was allegedly unlawfully accessed and products removed.
Police subsequently recovered 331 cartons of alleged counterfeit Baby Secret Cream products from another warehouse within the Trade Fair Market axis.
Several suspects described as distributors and peddlers of the products have been arrested and are assisting investigators to identify additional storage points and track down the alleged mastermind.
In another high-profile investigation, FCID disclosed that it is probing allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, cheating, conspiracy and illegal procurement of abortion following a petition filed by Mr Olajide against his fiancée, Miss Onyekachi Winner Mmerichukwu, 22.
Police alleged that the suspect falsely claimed to be pregnant and received money for antenatal care, medical expenses and pregnancy-related needs.
Investigators said the total amount allegedly obtained stood at ₦16,170,000.
The investigation led to the arrest of the woman and a nurse attached to a private medical facility.
According to the police, findings further indicated that the pregnancy was allegedly terminated at approximately five months at a medical facility in Ajah, Lagos, for reasons unrelated to medical necessity.
Both suspects have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while efforts continue to arrest the Medical Director of the hospital allegedly linked to the procedure.
AIG Akpanudom reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, combating economic sabotage, preserving intellectual property rights and strengthening public trust in the administration of justice.
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc+ NPM, and DIG FCID, DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla, for their support and pledged continued adherence to people-centred policing, rule of law and respect for human rights.
The FCID Annex, Lagos, urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to aid crime prevention and investigation across the country.
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