FCID Lagos Rescues 36 Trafficking Victims, Investigates N150m Telecom Theft
Thirty-six victims of human trafficking have been rescued in operations carried out by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, as police investigators intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in trafficking, telecommunications vandalism, burglary and other offences.
The victims were rescued through INTERPOL operations conducted between June 25 and September 18, 2026, while one person was repatriated, according to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the FCID Annex, Lagos, Simeon U. Akpanudom.
Akpanudom disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing on the investigative breakthroughs and operational activities of the Annex during the period.
He said the rescue operations remained part of wider efforts to protect vulnerable people and bring those allegedly behind trafficking activities to justice.
The AIG said investigations were continuing to apprehend other suspects connected with the trafficking cases.
1,816 Complaints Received
The FCID Annex recorded 1,816 complaints during the period, with 1,803 referred for investigation and report.
Nine complaints were referred to State Commissioners of Police and other police formations for appropriate action, while four were declined because they were considered civil matters.
Akpanudom said 24 cases had been concluded and processed before various courts, while other investigations remained at different stages, including investigation, legal vetting and legal advice.
N150m Telecom Infrastructure Targeted
Another major investigation involved the alleged theft and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure estimated at about N150 million.
The police said the case followed a petition received on August 11 from PLUTOLORD SOLICITORS on behalf of ATC Telecommunications Nationwide, concerning alleged attacks, robbery and vandalism of telecommunications facilities in parts of the South-East and Lagos State between March and May 2026.
The equipment allegedly stolen included modules, solar batteries, solar panels and generators.
According to Akpanudom, SWAT operatives attached to the FCID Annex conducted an intelligence-led investigation that resulted in the arrest of Abuchi Odikemere, 29; Anyanwu Emmanuel, 28; Kayode Segun, 28; and Emmanuel Chineku, 17, at a shop on Pastor Alabi Close in Kosofe, Lagos.
Police said they recovered 52 solar batteries, two surveillance cameras, three small solar panels, two solar meters, a hammer and a chisel.
“Investigations are ongoing to dismantle the alleged syndicate and arrest other members who remain at large,” Akpanudom said.
He added that suspects found culpable would be charged before a court on relevant offences.
N20m Shop Burglary
The Annex also arrested four suspects over an alleged burglary at a shop in Ojota, Lagos, where mobile phones and other electronic accessories valued at about N20 million were reportedly stolen.
The case followed a petition from Ashaye Olalekan concerning an alleged armed burglary on May 19, 2026.
Police said the stolen items included 90 new mobile phones, 42 smart watches, two Oraimo speakers, 105 power banks and other accessories.
Seven CCTV cameras, display glasses, the entrance door and other property were also allegedly damaged.
The AIG said detectives arrested three males and a female allegedly linked to the receipt of some of the stolen property.
Recovered items included three phones, one power bank, three generators and other electronic devices.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly admitted that most of the stolen phones and accessories had been sold to a transborder receiver. They have since been charged to court.
Two Arrested Over Alleged False Access Bank Publication
The FCID Annex also investigated a social media publication concerning Access Bank Plc, which allegedly claimed that the bank would shut down its operations from September 23 and advised customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The police said the publication was circulated on Facebook and subsequently spread across other social media platforms.
Akpanudom said discreet investigation led detectives to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where Idorenyin Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu were arrested.
The AIG said the suspects allegedly admitted belonging to a WhatsApp group known as “Queendom”, where Esu allegedly posted the message before Umoh copied and published it on her Facebook account, “Aidee Umoh”, which had more than 12,000 followers.
The suspects were subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court, Lagos, on charges bordering on alleged conspiracy, false publication, fabrication and digital dissemination of malicious falsehood, economic sabotage and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
Police Strengthen Investigative Capacity
Akpanudom said the FCID Annex had also focused on improving the professionalism and welfare of its personnel.
Seventeen additional personnel underwent specialised training during the period, while weekly leadership meetings and internal lectures focused on investigation principles, human rights and ethical conduct.
The Annex also completed several infrastructure projects, including solar systems, renovation of one set of holding cells, office signage and other facilities, while work continued on additional holding cells and general office areas.
The AIG said the Force Medical Director, AIG Nkechi Eze, visited the FCID Annex Clinic on August 24 to assess measures for improving medical services for personnel.
Public Cooperation Needed
The FCID Annex also strengthened collaboration with government institutions, security stakeholders and other organisations during the period.
Akpanudom said the command would continue to prioritise the protection of critical national infrastructure, investigation of economic and high-profile crimes, professional development of investigators and intelligence sharing.
He urged members of the public to provide the police with “timely, credible and actionable information” to assist crime prevention and investigations.
The AIG assured the public that suspects found culpable at the conclusion of investigations would be prosecuted before courts of competent jurisdiction in accordance with applicable laws.
