The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to combat counterfeit and substandard regulated products.
The commitment is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by the spokesperson for FCID Annex, ASP Aminat Mayegun.
According to the statement, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of FCID Annex, Lagos, Mr Simeon Akpanudom, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the NAFDAC Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement in Lagos on Wednesday.
Akpanudom said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to deepening inter-agency collaboration with NAFDAC to curb the growing threat posed by counterfeit food, drugs, beverages, cosmetics and other regulated products.
He commended the existing cordial relationship between both organisations and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation, particularly in the area of capacity building and knowledge sharing, to address emerging crimes.
The AIG presented a proposed training programme to be facilitated by a five-member FCID Annex team led by the Commissioner of Police (Forensics), DCP (Dr.) Agbo, following a request by NAFDAC.
He said the team would collaborate with NAFDAC officials to coordinate the logistics, venue and schedule for the training, while urging that FCID personnel also be included among the participants.
According to him, the programme will focus on public health protection, forensic science, investigative techniques and strategies for tackling counterfeit and substandard regulated products.
“There is no waste in acquiring knowledge,” Akpanudom said, noting that the training would strengthen the investigative capacity of both institutions and contribute to a safer and healthier society.
He described the proliferation of counterfeit products as a major threat to public health, national security and the nation’s economy, while assuring NAFDAC of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force in enforcing relevant laws and prosecuting offenders.
Responding, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, NAFDAC, Dr Martins Iluyomade, welcomed the proposed collaboration and described the training curriculum as comprehensive and timely.
Iluyomade said the programme, scheduled to commence in Lagos within the next few weeks, aligned with NAFDAC’s strategic objective of strengthening professionalism and improving operational effectiveness.
He noted that the inclusion of FCID personnel would enrich the programme through the exchange of investigative expertise.
According to him, criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and substandard regulated products continue to evolve, making stronger collaboration between law enforcement and regulatory agencies essential.
Iluyomade expressed confidence that the partnership with FCID Annex would enhance investigations, intelligence sharing and the successful prosecution of offenders.
He also called for greater synergy in expanding the database of convicted offenders to facilitate the tracking of habitual criminals.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director, Cosmetics Directorate, Mr Ugwu Declan, commended Akpanudom for his continued support and cooperation with NAFDAC, particularly in investigations jointly handled with the Special Investigation Department.
Declan described the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and NAFDAC as instrumental in combating crimes associated with counterfeit and substandard regulated products.
