By Emmanuel Onyedika
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced fresh strategies to combat cybercrime, kidnapping, and other emerging security threats across the country.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Simeon Akpanudom, in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex Lagos, disclosed this during a press briefing at the FCID headquarters in Lagos. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the force’s investigative, digital, and forensic capabilities.
Akpanudom explained that the police are enhancing collaboration with the judiciary to ensure effective prosecution of criminal cases. He noted that several cases are already before the courts and that the force is leveraging technology and digital processes to improve investigations and case management. “We have a very robust relationship with the judiciary, and that collaboration is critical to ensuring that suspects are prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws,” he said.
On cybercrime, the AIG revealed that officers had undergone specialised training in cryptocurrency tracing and advanced digital investigation techniques. He said the National Cybercrime Centre and other specialised units continue to play key roles in tackling technology-driven crimes, with support from partner agencies and allied countries.
Addressing kidnapping and violent crimes, Akpanudom acknowledged the menace as a major security concern but assured Nigerians that the police are constantly reviewing strategies and working with stakeholders to curb criminal activities. “The police are not resting. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the tide is stemmed and that criminal elements are denied the space to operate,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of community policing, praising host communities for their support and law-abiding conduct. He stressed that collaboration between residents and security agencies remains vital to effective crime prevention and detection.
Akpanudom further highlighted the force’s growing forensic capacity, noting that investments in forensic laboratories and specialised training have significantly improved investigative outcomes. He described the police forensic laboratory as one of the most advanced in the country, supporting evidence-based investigations and prosecutions.
The FCID boss reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to adopting global best practices and strengthening its capacity to respond to evolving security threats. “We have highly trained experts, and we will continue to build on our capacity while learning from international best practices to improve policing and public safety,” he said.