Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration

The Nigeria Police Force and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks behind counterfeit and substandard food, drugs, and cosmetics. This renewed commitment focuses on deepening intelligence sharing and strengthening joint investigations to combat the distribution of regulated products that endanger public health.

The initiative was formally announced on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, to the NAFDAC Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement in Lagos.

Knowledge-sharing remains critical in tackling emerging crimes. There is no waste in acquiring knowledge.

— Simeon U. Akpanudom, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex

AIG Akpanudom noted that the growing sophistication of criminal syndicates involved in the manufacture of fake regulated products has made stronger collaboration between law enforcement and regulatory agencies imperative. He emphasized that the partnership would focus on intelligence gathering and forensic investigation to ensure offenders are identified, prosecuted, and prevented from further activity.

Advanced Forensic Training Initiatives

As part of the strategic partnership, the FCID Annex has proposed a comprehensive training programme for NAFDAC investigators. This exercise will be coordinated by a five-member police team led by the Commissioner of Police, Forensic, DCP (Dr.) Agbo. The team will collaborate with NAFDAC to finalize logistics and schedules while ensuring that FCID officers also participate to foster mutual learning.

The training curriculum is set to cover forensic science, public health protection, and modern investigative techniques specifically tailored for tackling counterfeit food, drugs, beverages, and cosmetics. The police chief expressed confidence that this initiative would significantly improve the investigative capacity of both institutions and enhance national security efforts.

Strategic Response and Operational Efficiency

Responding to the proposal, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, described the collaboration as timely and aligned with the agency's goals for professionalism. He disclosed that the training is expected to commence in Lagos within the coming weeks, highlighting that the participation of police personnel would enrich the program through an exchange of investigative expertise.

Dr. Iluyomade also advocated for the expansion of a database of convicted offenders to facilitate the tracking of repeat offenders involved in counterfeit-related crimes. He noted that NAFDAC continues to receive support from both local and international partners committed to strengthening regulatory enforcement and institutional capacity.

Adding to the discussion, the Deputy Director of the Cosmetics Directorate, Mr. Ugwu Declan, praised the Nigeria Police Force for its consistent support in joint investigations. He specifically pointed to the Special Investigation Department (SID) as a critical factor in combating crimes linked to substandard regulated products. The visit concluded with a symbolic gesture as AIG Akpanudom presented a commemorative plaque to the Directorate, reaffirming his commitment to sustained cooperation.