The Zone 2 Police Command and China’s Shandong Provincial Public Security Department have strengthened cooperation on cybercrime prevention, intelligence sharing, and transnational security operations.

The renewed partnership was reinforced during a courtesy visit by a Chinese delegation to the Zone 2 Police Command headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, on Thursday.

The delegation was led by the Deputy Director-General of the Shandong Provincial Public Security Department, Zhang Yuebo.

Mr Yuebo reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force through training, intelligence sharing, and joint security initiatives.

He recalled that both agencies signed an exchange and cooperation agreement in 2019, which led to several training programmes for Nigerian police officers.

Mr Yuebo disclosed that in May 2025, the Shandong Provincial Public Security Department hosted 20 senior officers from Zone 2 Command for a public security study tour.

According to him, the visit aimed to renew relations and deepen cooperation against transnational crime and cybercrime through bilateral exchanges and intelligence sharing.

Mr Yuebo stressed the need to protect Chinese enterprises and personnel operating in Nigeria while strengthening economic and cultural relations between both countries.

“We are committed to deepening cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force through training, intelligence sharing and joint security initiatives,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to bilateral policing cooperation.

Mr Jimoh described the visit as a significant milestone in the growing police-to-police relationship between Nigeria and China.

He recalled that the relationship began in 2019 when retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Lawal Shehu attended a training programme at the Shandong Police College.

According to Mr Jimoh, the partnership has consistently produced positive results through regular training programmes and professional exchanges between both agencies.

He disclosed that in 2025, 17 senior officers from Zone 2 Command attended a two-week public security training programme in Jinan City, China.

The officers were led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Olubode Fakeye of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department.

“The training greatly improved their operational capacity in service to the Nigeria Police Force,” Mr Jimoh said.

He described China as a strategic partner in global development and security cooperation, commending Shandong authorities for achievements in technological policing and crime prevention.

Mr Jimoh said the visit created opportunities for meaningful engagement, institutional cooperation, and professional exchange between the Nigerian and Chinese security agencies.

He noted that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to modern policing strategies centred on professionalism, intelligence gathering, technology, and international collaboration.

According to him, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had prioritised intelligence-driven and community-based policing across the country.

Mr Jimoh stated that Zone 2 Command, which oversees Lagos and Ogun States, occupies a strategic position because of the economic importance of both states.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would enhance cooperation in cybercrime prevention, counter-terrorism, forensic investigation, and technological policing.

The AIG also highlighted personnel development, police training, and transnational crime detection as major areas expected to benefit from the collaboration.

“As law enforcement agencies operating within different environments, we share a common goal of protecting lives and property,” Mr Jimoh said.

He urged members of the Chinese delegation to interact freely with officers of the command to strengthen institutional and diplomatic ties between both countries. 

(NAN)