The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, Simeon  Akpanudom, has warned police officers against unlawful arrest, detention, arrest by proxy and other actions capable of undermining public confidence in the Police.

Akpanudom gave the warning on Monday, September 7, 2026, during a working visit to the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), where he charged personnel to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and due process in the discharge of their duties.

Addressing investigators at the PSFU, the AIG stressed the need for thorough and professional investigations, urging officers to have a clear understanding of every case assigned to them, including steps already taken, outstanding investigative actions and the appropriate direction for concluding each case.

He cautioned 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.

Akpanudom directed officers to comply with all relevant legal procedures, including obtaining court warrants where necessary and ensuring that persons in custody are produced before a competent court within the period prescribed by law.

He also warned that searches and other investigative activities must be conducted professionally and in accordance with established procedures, noting that adherence to due process would strengthen public confidence in police operations and enhance the credibility of investigations.

The AIG further clarified that the seizure of phones and other electronic devices should only be carried out where such items are believed to be instruments of an offence or otherwise relevant to an investigation, after which they should be subjected to forensic analysis where necessary.

He said police powers must be exercised responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law.

At the SWAT, Akpanudom emphasised discipline, operational readiness, restraint and strict compliance with standard operating procedures.

He warned officers against conduct capable of bringing the Police into disrepute and urged them to exercise their powers with professionalism and sound judgment.

The AIG also tasked senior officers with mentoring and effectively supervising junior personnel, noting that leadership goes beyond issuing instructions to include transferring knowledge, correcting shortcomings and ensuring that officers understand the laws and procedures guiding their duties.

He commended personnel of the two formations for their dedication, smart appearance and professional conduct, describing their disposition as encouraging signs for the future of the Nigerian Police.

Responding on behalf of the two formations, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the PSFU, Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, and his SWAT counterpart, Olukayode Ayilara, thanked the AIG for the visit and for sharing his professional experience with their personnel.

They assured him of their commitment to maintaining and improving professional standards in their respective formations and ensuring that their operations continue to enhance the image and reputation of the police.

The commissioners also pledged that their formations would continue to make the news for the right reasons through positive achievements.

Akpanudom urged all personnel under the FCID Annex to remain committed to the core values of professionalism, integrity, discipline, accountability, respect for human rights and service to the public.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening supervision and professional standards across the FCID Annex, Lagos, while ensuring that police investigations and operations are conducted in accordance with the law and in furtherance of justice.

The visit, according to the statement signed by the FCID Annex Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, formed part of the AIG’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness, promote discipline and strengthen professionalism across formations under the FCID Annex, Lagos.