The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit and substandard regulated products across the country.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, committed during a courtesy visit to the NAFDAC Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement in Lagos, where he was received by the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Martins Iluyomade, and members of the agency’s management team.
Speaking during the visit, Akpanudom commended the existing relationship between the FCID Annex and NAFDAC, stressing the need for sustained collaboration, particularly in capacity building.
“There is no waste in acquiring knowledge,” the AIG said while advocating the inclusion of FCID officers in a proposed training programme for NAFDAC officials.
He disclosed that a five-member team from the FCID Annex, led by the Commissioner of Police (Forensic), DCP (Dr.) Agbo, would work with NAFDAC to coordinate logistics, venue and scheduling for the training programme.
According to him, the training will focus on public health protection, forensic science, investigative techniques, and strategies for tackling counterfeit food, drugs, beverages, cosmetics and other regulated products.
Akpanudom warned that the proliferation of fake and substandard products poses serious threats to public health, national security and the nation’s economy.
“The proposed training will significantly enhance the capacity of investigators while contributing to a safer and healthier society,” he said, while commending NAFDAC for its commitment to protecting Nigerians. He also assured the agency of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force in enforcing relevant laws and prosecuting offenders.
Responding, Dr Iluyomade described the proposed training as “comprehensive and timely,” saying it aligns with NAFDAC’s strategic objectives of strengthening professionalism and improving operational effectiveness.
He disclosed that the programme is expected to commence within the next few weeks in Lagos, adding that the participation of FCID personnel would enrich the training through the sharing of investigative expertise.
“Criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and substandard regulated products continue to evolve, making collaboration among law enforcement and regulatory agencies more important than ever,” Iluyomade said.
He added that NAFDAC enjoys support from several local and international partners in strengthening regulatory enforcement and capacity development, expressing confidence that collaboration with the FCID Annex would improve investigations, intelligence sharing and the prosecution of offenders.
Iluyomade also called for greater synergy in expanding the database of convicted offenders to aid the tracking of habitual criminals involved in counterfeit product-related crimes.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of the Cosmetics Directorate, Mr Ugwu Declan, commended the AIG for his support and cooperation with NAFDAC, particularly in investigations conducted jointly with the Special Investigation Department (SID).
He described the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and NAFDAC as instrumental in tackling crimes linked to counterfeit and substandard regulated products.
The visit ended with NAFDAC management celebrating the birthday of AIG Akpanudom. In return, the police chief presented a commemorative plaque to the Directorate, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation in the interest of national security, public health and economic prosperity.
