In a remarkable display of professional policing and international cooperation, the Nigeria Police Force Airport Command in Lagos has demonstrated its commitment to protecting citizens worldwide through a successful intelligence-led operation.

On January 5, 2026, after months of careful surveillance and investigative work, officers from the Anti-Fraud Unit apprehended 20-year-old Essien Akpama at Lagos Airport, preventing what could have been an escape from justice. The operation represents a significant victory in the ongoing effort to combat transnational cybercrime and protect vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation.

ASP Mohammed Adeola, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Airport Command, emphasized the dedication behind this achievement: "The arrest followed sustained intelligence gathering and monitoring based on credible information, as part of our efforts to combat transnational crimes and prevent Nigerian airports from being used as escape routes by criminal elements."

The successful operation protected elderly victims in the United States who had been targeted through sophisticated scams. Investigators worked diligently to trace the alleged crimes, which involved romance fraud tactics targeting a 47-year-old woman and a 70-year-old woman. The meticulous police work led to the recovery of valuable electronic equipment worth over N8 million, including laptops and smartphones.

Commissioner of Police Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, who leads the Airport Police Command, expressed pride in her team's accomplishment and reaffirmed their mission. "Our Command remains resolute in ensuring that airport corridors are not used to evade justice," she stated warmly. "We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to detect, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks operating within and around Nigeria's aviation ecosystem."

This successful arrest highlights several positive developments in Nigerian law enforcement. First, it demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation. The months of surveillance show patience, professionalism, and strategic thinking—qualities that build public trust in security institutions.

Second, the operation reinforces Nigeria's commitment to international cooperation in fighting cybercrime. By protecting American citizens from fraud, Nigerian police are building bridges and demonstrating that crime has no place in the country's aviation sector or broader society.

Third, the arrest sends a powerful deterrent message to would-be criminals that Nigerian airports are well-monitored and that law enforcement agencies are equipped with the skills and determination to bring offenders to justice.

The case has now been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit for continued investigation, ensuring that justice will be thoroughly pursued through proper legal channels.

This achievement reflects the growing capacity and professionalism of Nigerian law enforcement agencies. Through dedicated training, improved technology, and commitment to protecting both local and international communities, the Airport Police Command is setting an exemplary standard for security operations.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its position as a regional leader, operations like this one demonstrate the country's dedication to good governance, rule of law, and international partnership in making the world a safer place for everyone.