Yuqing assured the police of continued cooperation from the Chinese community by sharing of relevant information to assist crime prevention, intelligence gathering and criminal investigations.
By Moses Okorie
The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, has pledged to deepen cooperation between China and the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in the areas of security, intelligence and information sharing.
Yuqing made the commitment on Tuesday when she led a delegation from the Chinese Consulate General on a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Simon Akpanudom, at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.
The delegation included the Consulate’s Second Secretary, Alexander Kai, and Third Secretary, Ricky.
According to a statement by the FCID Annex spokesperson, ASP Aminat Mayegun, the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship and cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Yuqing commended the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the FCID Annex, for its efforts in maintaining law and order, combating crime and protecting citizens, residents and foreign nationals in the country.
She specifically acknowledged the police for providing security to Chinese nationals, businesses and other Chinese interests operating in Nigeria.
The Consul General disclosed that the Chinese Consulate was considering a cultural exchange programmed and a capacity-building seminar focused on exporting to China.
She said the initiatives would create opportunities for police personnel to exchange knowledge, ideas and professional experiences with their Chinese counterparts.
Yuqing also offered to organise a medical outreach programme for personnel of the FCID Annex, with emphasis on eye health, including eye screening and basic eye-care services.
She further assured the police of continued cooperation from the Chinese community through the timely sharing of relevant information that could assist crime prevention, intelligence gathering and criminal investigations.
In his response, Akpanudom expressed appreciation to the Consul General for the visit and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to sustaining the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and China.
The AIG welcomed the proposed cultural exchange programme, capacity-building seminar and medical outreach, saying they would contribute to professional development, knowledge sharing and improved welfare of police personnel.
He urged members of the Chinese community to continue supporting the police with useful and timely information, noting that effective collaboration was essential to preventing and combating crime.
Akpanudom also expressed support for initiatives aimed at encouraging Nigerian police personnel to learn the Chinese language.
He noted that improved language skills would promote better communication, mutual understanding and stronger operational cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and the Chinese community in Nigeria.