Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Annex, Lagos, has recorded a series of investigative breakthroughs, including the arrest of suspected telecommunication facility vandals, recovery of stolen property, prosecution of suspects and the rescue of 36 victims of human trafficking.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon U. Akpanudom, disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos while giving an account of the department’s operational and investigative activities between June 25 and September 18, 2026.
Akpanudom said the FCID Annex received 1,816 letters of complaint during the period under review.
According to him, nine complaints were referred to various state Commissioners of Police and other formations for necessary action, while four were declined because they were civil matters.
He said the remaining 1,803 complaints were referred for investigation and report.
The AIG added that 24 cases had been concluded and processed before various courts, while other matters remained at different stages of investigation, legal vetting and advice.
Four arrested over alleged telecom vandalism
One of the major cases highlighted by the police involved the alleged vandalism and theft of telecommunication infrastructure in parts of the South-East and Lagos State.
Akpanudom said the FCID received a petition on August 11 from PLUTOLORD SOLICITORS on behalf of ATC Telecommunications Nationwide over alleged attacks on its facilities between March and May 2026.
He said the stolen infrastructure included modules, solar batteries, solar panels and generators, with the value of the allegedly stolen items estimated at N150 million.
Following an intelligence-led investigation, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the FCID Annex arrested four suspects at a shop in the Kosofe area of Lagos.
The suspects were identified as Abuchi Odikemere, 29; Anyanwu Emmanuel, 28; Kayode Segun, 28; and Emmanuel Chineku, 17.
Items recovered from the suspects included 52 solar batteries, two surveillance cameras, three small solar panels, two solar meters, a hammer and a chisel.
The police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate, while the suspects in custody would be charged in court for appropriate offences.
Four arrested over alleged N20m shop robbery
The FCID also disclosed the arrest of four suspects in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy, shop breaking, malicious damage, stealing and receiving stolen property.
The investigation followed a petition by Ashaye Olalekan, who reported that his shop around the Ogudu Roundabout/Ojota area of Lagos was allegedly broken into by armed hoodlums in the early hours of May 19, 2026.
According to the police, the assailants allegedly stole a vault containing 90 brand-new mobile phones, 42 smart watches, two Oraimo speakers, 105 power banks and other phone accessories valued at approximately N20 million.
Seven CCTV cameras and other property in the shop were also allegedly damaged.
Detectives subsequently arrested four suspects, comprising three males and one female and recovered some of the allegedly stolen items, including three mobile phones, a power bank, three generators and other electronic devices.
The FCID said the suspects admitted to selling most of the stolen phones and accessories to a transborder receiver.
The suspects have since been charged in court, according to the police.
Two arraigned over alleged fake Access Bank publication
The FCID also announced the arrest and arraignment of two persons allegedly linked to a false social media publication claiming that Access Bank Plc would shut down its operations from September 23, 2026.
The police said the investigation followed a petition dated July 30, 2026, submitted by Country Hill Attorney & Solicitors on behalf of Access Bank.
According to the FCID, a publication posted on Facebook on July 28 purportedly claimed to be from Access Bank and advised customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The message was subsequently circulated across other social media platforms.
Following investigations, detectives arrested Idorenyin Umoh and her associate, Fineness Monday Esu, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The police said the suspects admitted belonging to a WhatsApp group known as Queendom, where the message was initially posted.
The FCID alleged that Umoh subsequently copied the message to her Facebook account, Aidee Umoh, which had more than 12,000 followers.
The two suspects were subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on relevant charges.
INTERPOL rescues 36 human trafficking victims
The AIG further disclosed that INTERPOL operations under the FCID resulted in the rescue of 36 victims of human trafficking.
He said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects connected with the cases, while one person had also been repatriated.
Training, Infrastructure and Collaboration
Beyond investigations, the FCID Annex said it had continued to strengthen the capacity and welfare of its personnel.
Akpanudom disclosed that 17 additional personnel had undergone specialised training.
He also said working visits were undertaken to the SWAT, Adeniji Adele and Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) on September 7, 2026.
According to him, several infrastructure projects had also been completed or were awaiting commissioning, including improvements to the Charge Room, solar power installations, visitors’ facilities, office signage, holding cells and staff toilets.
He said outstanding projects, including the renovation of another set of holding cells as well as tiling and painting of general office areas, were expected to be completed subsequently.
The FCID also strengthened collaboration with stakeholders through engagements with the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, NAFDAC and other organisations.
Akpanudom said the partnerships were designed to improve intelligence gathering, investigations, ethical standards and inter-agency cooperation in tackling emerging security threats.
Commitment to public confidence
The AIG reaffirmed the commitment of the FCID Annex, Lagos, to protecting critical national infrastructure, combating economic sabotage, preventing fraud and strengthening public confidence in the administration of justice.
He urged members of the public to continue providing the police with timely, credible and actionable information that could assist in preventing and combating crime.
The FCID assured that suspects found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted before competent courts in accordance with extant laws.
The department said it would continue to prioritise professionalism, diligence, accountability, respect for the rule of law and the protection of lives and property.
