CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID Annex Lagos, AIG Simeon U Akpanudom, has called for deeper synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Correctional Service to strengthen the administration of criminal justice.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that AIG Akpanudom made the call during a courtesy visit to the Assistant Comptroller General of Corrections, Zone “A” Headquarters, ACG Olatunbosun Ajibogun, alongside members of the FCID Annex Lagos leadership team.
The visit took place at the ACG’s office in Lagos.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, the AIG expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him and his team.
He noted that effective criminal justice delivery cannot be complete without the role of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Police boss stressed the need for continuous intelligence sharing and collaboration in investigations. He said both agencies must sustain professionalism and strengthen operational cooperation to achieve national security objectives.
He added that both institutions possess valuable experiences that can be leveraged in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities. The statement said the AIG urged sustained partnership between the Police and correctional service.
In his response, ACG Olatunbosun Ajibogun described the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Correctional Service as cordial, smooth, and effective in line with their mandates.
He welcomed the visit and said it reinforced inter-agency cooperation.
The ACG explained 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. He said synergy between both agencies would aid in identifying serial offenders.
According to him, this can be achieved through proper documentation, fingerprint capturing of inmates, and an expanded database of convicts. He noted that such measures would improve criminal records management and support investigations.
ACG Ajibogun commended the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and reiterated his support for the slogan “Police is your friend”. He assured that collaboration, particularly in criminal registry and administration would continue to grow stronger.
The visit concluded with the exchange of plaques between the AIG and the ACG as a symbol of mutual respect and commitment to enhanced inter-agency collaboration.