In a powerful address that blended commendation with a sobering reality check, Mrs. Margaret Ochalla, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Lagos, has publicly lauded the dedication of her personnel while casting a light on the profound, often invisible, costs of their service.
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, Dec. 22, 2025 (NAN) – Speaking at the FCID’s year-end party and Christmas carol event, AIG Ochalla framed the gathering not just as a celebration, but as a crucial moment for “reflection, appreciation, and renewal of commitment.” Her praise went beyond platitudes, zeroing in on the tangible outcomes of her team’s work.
Ochalla credited officers across all ranks for demonstrating “courage, patience, and resilience,” which she directly linked to the intelligent investigation and lawful resolution of criminal activities. She argued that this meticulous work is the true engine for rebuilding public trust. “Your efforts have strengthened public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force,” she stated, “and reinforced core values such as justice, accountability, and the rule of law.”
The Professionalism Imperative: Why Due Process is Non-Negotiable
In a critical segment of her speech, the AIG made a definitive case for integrity as the foundation of effective policing. She highlighted the department’s strict adherence to due process, lawful investigative procedures, and respect for human rights. “Effective crime fighting does not require shortcuts or abuse of power,” Ochalla asserted. This principle is vital in a modern justice system; evidence obtained improperly can be thrown out of court, allowing guilty parties to walk free. Her emphasis ensures that FCID investigations remain “credible, defensible in court, and fair to all parties involved,” protecting both the rights of citizens and the integrity of the legal process.
Tangible Impact: From Financial Fraud to Gender-Based Violence
Moving from philosophy to practice, Ochalla cataloged the specific crime fronts where the FCID has made significant impacts. The list was comprehensive, reflecting the complex nature of modern criminality: financial crimes and fraud, property-related offences, threats to life, gender-based violence, kidnapping, cybercrime, and drug and ammunition-related cases.
She connected these investigative successes to broader societal safety. “The disruption of criminal networks, recovery of unlawfully-acquired assets, and prevention of potential breaches of public peace have contributed meaningfully to public safety across Lagos State and beyond,” she explained. For instance, a meticulously investigated cybercrime case doesn’t just punish a single offender; it can dismantle a phishing ring targeting thousands, while the recovery of assets in a fraud case can provide restitution to victims.
The Unseen Sacrifices: The Human Cost of Crime-Fighting
The most poignant part of Ochalla’s address was her acknowledgment of the personal toll policing takes—a reality often hidden from public view. She noted that many personnel work “long hours away from their families and face physical and emotional risks that often go unnoticed.”
This speaks to the relentless nature of investigative work: missed birthdays, the psychological weight of dealing with violent or traumatic cases, the constant threat of danger, and the strain on personal relationships. By bringing this to the fore, Ochalla validated the experiences of her officers, assuring them that their “resilience and commitment were deeply valued by the leadership.” Her message, “Your hard work has not gone unnoticed,” serves as a crucial morale booster in a high-stress profession.
Concluding with wishes for good health and greater achievements in the coming year, AIG Ochalla’s address successfully balanced celebration with a clear-eyed view of the challenges ahead. It served as both a record of achievement and a reaffirmation of the ethical and human foundations necessary for effective, trusted policing in Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
DOA/IGO
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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
