The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, psc, fdc, mspsp, MNIM, FCAI, has charged personnel of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and strict adherence to due process in the discharge of their duties.
AIG Akpanudom gave the charge on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a working visit to the two formations, where he engaged officers on effective supervision, investigative standards, operational readiness and compliance with the rule of law, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) reports.
Addressing personnel at the PSFU, the AIG stressed the need for investigators to demonstrate professionalism, diligence and thoroughness in handling cases. He urged every investigator to have a firm grasp of assigned cases, including actions already taken, outstanding investigative steps and the appropriate measures required to bring investigations to a logical conclusion.
He warned officers against unlawful detention, arrest by proxy and other illegal practices, stressing that the rights of suspects and other persons involved in investigations must be respected at all times.
According to him, investigators must strictly observe all legal requirements, including obtaining appropriate court warrants where necessary and ensuring that persons in custody are brought before a competent court within the period prescribed by law.
The AIG equally directed that searches, seizures and other investigative activities must be carried out professionally and in accordance with established procedures, noting that strict compliance with due process remains critical to building public confidence in police operations and enhancing the credibility of investigations.
On the seizure of electronic devices, AIG Akpanudom emphasised that phones and other devices should only be seized where they are reasonably connected to an alleged offence and should subsequently be subjected to appropriate forensic examination to support investigations.
He reminded officers that police powers must be exercised responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law.
AIG Tasks SWAT on Discipline, Operational Readiness
At the SWAT formation, AIG Akpanudom reiterated the importance of discipline, operational preparedness, restraint and strict compliance with standard operating procedures.
He cautioned personnel against conduct capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force, urging them to exercise the powers entrusted to them with professionalism, responsibility and sound judgment.
The AIG also charged senior officers to strengthen mentorship and supervision of junior personnel, noting that effective leadership goes beyond issuing instructions to include transferring knowledge, correcting shortcomings and ensuring that officers understand the laws and procedures guiding their responsibilities.
AIG Akpanudom commended the personnel for their dedication, smart appearance and professional disposition, describing their commitment as an encouraging indication of a promising future for the Nigeria Police Force.
PSFU, SWAT Pledge Commitment to Professional Standards
Responding on behalf of the two formations, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the PSFU, CP Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, B.Sc., MILD, and the Commissioner of Police in charge of SWAT, CP Olukayode Ayilara, thanked the AIG for the visit and for sharing his wealth of professional knowledge and experience with the officers.
The two commissioners assured him of their commitment to sustaining and improving professional standards within their respective formations.
They also pledged to ensure that the operations and achievements of PSFU and SWAT continue to project the Nigeria Police Force positively, promising that their formations would remain in the news for the right reasons and through positive achievements.
AIG Akpanudom urged all personnel to remain committed to the core values of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly professionalism, integrity, discipline, accountability, respect for human rights and service to the public.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening supervision and professional standards across the FCID Annex, Lagos, while ensuring that investigations and policing operations are conducted within the law and in furtherance of justice.
The working visit forms part of the AIG’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen discipline and promote professionalism across formations under the FCID Annex, Lagos.