The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, has underscored the critical need for synergy among security and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. He emphasized that the effective administration of criminal justice cannot be achieved without the indispensable role of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Courtesy Visit to ACG Ajibogun
Akpanudom made this statement while leading members of the FCID Annex Lagos leadership team on a courtesy visit to the Assistant Controller General of Corrections, Zone "A" Headquarters, ACG Olatunbosun Ajibogun. During the visit, the AIG expressed profound appreciation to the ACG for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation.
Importance of Intelligence Sharing
He stressed the need for continuous intelligence sharing, collaboration in investigations, and collective efforts aimed at achieving national security objectives. Akpanudom urged both agencies to sustain professionalism and strengthen operational cooperation, noting that both institutions possess valuable experience that can be leveraged in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
ACG Ajibogun's Response
In his response, Ajibogun appreciated the AIG for the courtesy visit and described the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Correctional Service as cordial, smooth, and effective, in line with their respective mandates. He noted that while the core responsibility of the police is the apprehension of offenders, the Nigerian Correctional Service remains the custodian of inmates and offenders within correctional facilities.
Identifying Serial Offenders
Ajibogun stated that sustained synergy between both agencies would greatly assist in identifying serial offenders, especially through proper documentation, fingerprint capturing of inmates, and an expanded database of convicts. He further commended the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism in the discharge of its duties and acknowledged the strategic importance of correctional facilities located across different areas.
Commitment to Collaboration
Reiterating that he is a fan of the popular slogan, "Police is your friend," the ACG assured that the existing collaboration and synergy between both agencies would continue to grow stronger, particularly in the areas of criminal records management, criminal registry, and administration. The visit concluded with the exchange of plaques between the AIG and the ACG as a symbol of mutual respect, cooperation, and commitment to enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
