AIG Akpanudom To Security Agencies: Work Together, Earn Public Trust

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, AIG Simeon Udofia Akpanudom, has called for greater professionalism, ethical conduct and stronger collaboration among security agencies to tackle emerging security threats.

Akpanudom made the call on Wednesday at the August edition of the two-day Lagos State Security Training Programme organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund at The Zone, Gbagada Expressway, Lagos.

The training, themed “Enhancing Professional Capacity, Ethical Standards and Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Security Operations,” brought together about 100 participants from various security agencies.

The AIG described the theme as timely, noting that criminals were increasingly using emerging technologies, exploiting institutional gaps and operating across jurisdictions to evade detection and prosecution.

He said security personnel must continuously improve their knowledge of the law, investigative procedures, human rights, intelligence analysis, technology, communication and decision-making.

Akpanudom stressed that professional training must become a continuous institutional culture, adding that the success of capacity building should be measured by improved performance and operational outcomes rather than the number of certificates obtained.

On ethical conduct, the police chief warned that professional competence without integrity could become counterproductive.

He urged security personnel to uphold integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect for human dignity, confidentiality, discipline and fairness, while warning against the misuse of official powers for personal gain, intimidation or revenge.

The AIG also emphasised the importance of public confidence in effective security operations.

He said members of the public were more likely to provide information, report crimes and cooperate with investigations when they trusted security institutions.

“Public trust is not demanded; it is earned,” he said, stressing that professionalism, fairness, transparency and accountability were essential to building that trust.

Akpanudom called for a shift from security agencies merely “working alongside one another” to genuinely “working with one another.”

He advocated stronger mechanisms for joint intelligence analysis, coordinated operations, secure information sharing, joint training and regular inter-agency engagements.

The AIG warned that criminal networks do not respect institutional boundaries and could exploit gaps created by poor coordination among security agencies.

He urged personnel to share relevant intelligence promptly through secure and appropriate channels while protecting sensitive operational information.

Akpanudom also stressed the importance of investing in personnel, saying technology and equipment could only be effective when security officers possessed the skills and judgment required to use them properly.

He commended the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for organising the programme, describing it as an important platform for strengthening professional relationships and cooperation among security agencies.

Representing the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, at the programme was the Director of Administration, LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, who reiterated the agency commitment to continuous capacity development and enhanced collaboration among security stakeholders.

The training also featured sessions facilitated by Dr. Wale Adeagbo, Dr. Diya Ololade and Dr. Titilayo, with discussions covering the programme’s central theme and health-related issues affecting the wellbeing of security personnel.

The Executive Assistant, LSSTF, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo, moderated the proceedings on Day One of the training.

The AIG urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to their respective organisations and place public safety above institutional rivalry.

“When we work alone, we may achieve results. When we work together, we achieve security,” Akpanudom said.

The FCID Annex expressed confidence that the training would contribute to stronger, more coordinated and effective security operations across Lagos State.