By Isaac Mission
Security authorities and government representatives in Abia and Akwa Ibom states are taking steps to improve their capacity to respond to emerging crimes and deepen cooperation among relevant institutions.
In Abia State, the Police Command has commenced a 10-day capacity-building programme focused on cybercrime investigation, while the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Office in Lagos is working towards closer collaboration with the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex.
The cybercrime training in Abia is being conducted in partnership with the Cyber Shield Africa Initiative. It was officially opened on Monday by the state Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
According to the Command's spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the programme is aimed at equipping officers with contemporary knowledge and investigative techniques required to tackle cybercrime and other technology-related offences.
Personnel drawn from the Cybercrime Section, State Criminal Investigation Department, State Intelligence Bureau and Violent Crime Response Unit Intelligence are participating in the exercise. Officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are also taking part.
Chinaka explained that the training followed an assessment of the Command's operations, which revealed the need to further improve its capacity to investigate offences involving technology.
Speaking at the opening, Afolabi said cyber and financial crimes were becoming increasingly common, particularly in commercial hubs such as Aba.
He stressed that protecting residents and businesses in the digital space had become as important as maintaining physical security.
The commissioner said the police would intensify efforts to prevent crimes including identity theft, impersonation, financial fraud and other technology-enabled offences in the state.
He also emphasised the importance of continuous professional training, noting that criminals were constantly adopting new methods that required law enforcement personnel to update their skills.
Afolabi urged participants to approach the programme with seriousness and discipline, warning that inadequate preparation could increase risks for both security personnel and members of the public.
Akwa Ibom Seeks Stronger Police Partnership
In Lagos, the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Office is seeking to establish closer working relations with the FCID Annex as part of efforts to promote security and public safety.
The state's Liaison Officer in Lagos, Anthony Isonguyo, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing the FCID Annex, AIG Simeon Akpanudom, on Tuesday.
Isonguyo, who recently assumed his position, explained that the liaison office provides a channel of communication between the Akwa Ibom State Government and indigenes of the state residing in Lagos.
He praised Akpanudom's leadership and described his appointment as noteworthy, pointing out that he is the first indigene of Akwa Ibom to lead the formation since its establishment.
The liaison officer expressed his willingness to strengthen interaction between the liaison office and the police formation and identify areas where both institutions could work together.
Responding, Akpanudom welcomed the visit, describing it as an indication of goodwill and a commitment to institutional cooperation.
The AIG also acknowledged the support he had received from the Akwa Ibom State Government.
He commended the progress recorded in Akwa Ibom under Governor Umo Eno and emphasised the need for government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain strong partnerships in addressing security challenges.
Akpanudom subsequently presented a commemorative plaque to Isonguyo as a symbol of goodwill and continued cooperation.
Both sides agreed to maintain the relationship and explore additional avenues for collaboration aimed at strengthening peace, security and public safety.