The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to combat counterfeit and substandard regulated products.

The commitment was noted in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson for FCID Annex, Aminat Mayegun. According to the statement, the assistant inspector-general of police in charge of FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon Akpanudom, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the NAFDAC Directorate of Investigation and Enforcement in Lagos on Wednesday.

Mr Akpanudom said the police remained committed to deepening inter-agency collaboration with NAFDAC to curb the growing threat posed by counterfeit food, drugs, beverages, cosmetics, and other regulated products.

He commended the existing cordial relationship between the two organisations and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation, particularly in capacity building and knowledge sharing, to address emerging crimes.

The AIG presented a proposed training programme to be facilitated by a five-member FCID Annex team led by the police commissioner (forensics) following a request from NAFDAC.

He said the team would collaborate with NAFDAC officials to coordinate the logistics, venue and schedule for the training, while urging that FCID personnel also be included among the participants.

According to him, the programme will focus on public health protection, forensic science, investigative techniques and strategies for tackling counterfeit and substandard regulated products.

He described the proliferation of counterfeit products as a major threat to public health, national security and the nation’s economy, while assuring NAFDAC of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force in enforcing relevant laws and prosecuting offenders.

NAFDAC’s director of investigation and enforcement, Martins Iluyomade, welcomed the proposed collaboration and described the training curriculum as comprehensive and timely.

Mr Iluyomade said the programme, scheduled to commence in Lagos within the next few weeks, aligns with NAFDAC’s strategic objective of strengthening professionalism and improving operational effectiveness.

According to him, criminal networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit and substandard regulated products continue to evolve, making stronger collaboration between law enforcement and regulatory agencies essential.

Mr Iluyomade expressed confidence that the partnership with FCID Annex would enhance investigations, intelligence sharing and the successful prosecution of offenders. He also called for greater synergy in expanding the database of convicted offenders to facilitate the tracking of habitual criminals.

(NAN)