FCID rescues 45 trafficking victims, uncovers counterfeit products, nabs fraud suspects

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By Esther Onyegbula

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The Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Annex, Lagos, has rescued 45 victims of human trafficking, recovered hundreds of counterfeit cosmetic products and arrested suspects linked to fraud, infrastructure vandalism and other crimes as part of major operational successes recorded over the past three months.

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Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of FCID Annex Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanuodom, disclosed the achievements on Thursday during a press briefing highlighting the department’s investigative breakthroughs and crime-fighting efforts between March 30 and June 25, 2026.

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The AIG said the successes reflected the department’s renewed commitment to combating organised crime, protecting critical national assets and ensuring justice for victims.

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Giving an overview of activities during the period under review, Akpanuodom revealed that the department received 1,762 petitions, out of which 1,725 were assigned for investigation, while 56 cases had been concluded and processed in various courts.

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According to him, the department’s INTERPOL unit rescued 45 victims of human trafficking, arrested four trafficking suspects, apprehended four persons on international watchlists and Red Notices, secured the arrest and return of two suspects from outside Nigeria and facilitated the repatriation of three persons.

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“The INTERPOL rescued forty-five persons from traffickers. Four Human Trafficking Suspects were arrested, four arrested on Watchlist/Red Notice, two were arrested outside the country and brought in-country, and three persons repatriated,” he said.

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In one of the major cases under investigation, the FCID uncovered a large cache of counterfeit cosmetic products following a petition by Flawless Cosmetics over the alleged illegal importation and counterfeiting of its trademark product, Baby Secret Cream.

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Akpanuodom said investigators traced the activities of the suspected counterfeiters to warehouses within the Trade Fair Market area of Lagos.

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According to him, detectives recovered 331 cartons of products branded as Baby Secret Cream believed to be counterfeit.

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The AIG explained that investigations revealed that a warehouse previously identified in connection with the case and located at Shop 30, Sambisa Area, Balogun Trade Fair Market, had been unlawfully accessed and products linked to the investigation removed.

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He said some unsuspecting distributors and peddlers of the products had been arrested and were assisting investigators in identifying additional storage facilities and tracking down the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

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“Some unsuspecting peddlers of the alleged counterfeit products were arrested and are assisting the investigators in locating additional storage facilities, recovering further relevant exhibits, and apprehending the fleeing mastermind of the illegal importation and counterfeiting of Baby Secret Cream,” he stated.

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Woman, nurse remanded over alleged N16.17 million fraud

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The department also announced the arrest of a 22-year-old woman and a nurse over allegations of obtaining money by false pretence, cheating, conspiracy and illegal procurement of abortion.

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The case followed a petition by Mr Olajide, who accused his fiancée of falsely claiming to be pregnant and collecting money from him for antenatal care, medical treatment and other pregnancy-related expenses.

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Police said the suspect allegedly obtained a total of N16.17 million from the complainant.

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Investigations further revealed that the pregnancy was allegedly terminated at about five months’ gestation at a private medical facility in Ajah, Lagos.

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“The total amount allegedly obtained during the period under review is ₦16,170,000,” Akpanuodom said.

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He added that the woman and the nurse had been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while efforts were ongoing to arrest the Medical Director of the hospital allegedly involved in the procedure.

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“The two suspects have been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while the investigation is ongoing to arrest the Medical Director of the suspect hospital, who admittedly procured the illegal abortion in conjunction with the nurse,” he stated.

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Three arrested for telecom infrastructure vandalism

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The FCID also recorded a breakthrough in the fight against the vandalism of telecommunications facilities and other critical national infrastructure.

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Akpanuodom said operatives acting on intelligence arrested three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly responsible for vandalising telecommunications installations across Lagos State.

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The suspects were identified as Ezekiel, Olaoluwa, and Olaleye.

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Items recovered from them included a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, solar batteries, solar panels, cutting equipment, ropes, two tricycles, a Toyota Camry and a Toyota Sienna bus.

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“Preliminary investigation indicates that the recovered items were employed in the vandalism of telecommunication installations and other critical infrastructure across Lagos State,” the AIG said.

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He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate who remain at large.

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Capacity building and stakeholder engagement

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Beyond investigations and arrests, Akpanuodom highlighted efforts to strengthen the department’s operational capacity.

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He disclosed that 30 detectives recently underwent training in Crypto Tracing Analysis and Investigation through a collaboration involving the United States Diplomatic Security Services, Regional Security Office and Internal Revenue Service through the US Consulate General in Lagos.

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Six officers also benefited from specialised training sponsored by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund on professional ethics, operational effectiveness and inter-agency collaboration.

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The AIG said ongoing infrastructure projects at the FCID Annex include the construction of a sentry slab, installation of solar-powered lighting, office signage and renovation of holding cells.

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He further noted that the command had strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers, judicial officers, correctional authorities, immigration officials, NAFDAC, the Nigerian Bar Association and various community groups to enhance crime prevention and public trust.

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Akpanuodom expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of FCID, DIG Margaret Agebe Ochalla, for their support and leadership.

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He reassured Nigerians that all suspects found culpable after investigations would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

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“The Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Lagos, wishes to reassure members of the public that all suspects found culpable at the conclusion of investigations will be prosecuted diligently in courts of competent jurisdiction in accordance with extant laws,” he said.

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