AIG Zone 7 Victor Olaiya Hosts ACPN FCT in Strategic Health-Security Meeting.

By Raymond Enoch.

In a landmark move to deepen collaboration between public health professionals and law enforcement, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, AIG Victor Olaiya, on Thursday received the newly inaugurated leadership of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Federal Capital Territory Chapter, at the Zone 7 Headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement signed by ASP Halima Mohammed, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zone 7, the visit was described as a “strategic engagement aimed at building a stronger partnership to tackle the rising challenges of drug abuse, counterfeit medicines, and other health-related issues with direct security implications.”

Led by its Chairman, Pharm. Aloba Olatunji, the ACPN delegation used the courtesy visit to formally introduce its new leadership, while emphasizing the critical need for collaboration between healthcare providers and security agencies.

Speaking during the visit, Pharm. Olatunji highlighted the unique role pharmacists play as frontline healthcare workers. “Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients. We are committed to working with the Police to promote initiatives that enhance both public health and community safety,” he said.

He noted that the misuse of prescription drugs and the spread of counterfeit medications not only threaten public health but also fuel broader social and criminal problems that demand multi-agency responses.

Responding, AIG Victor Olaiya praised the ACPN’s proactive outreach and reaffirmed the commitment of Zone 7 to deepen collaborations that strengthen public safety. “The Police cannot work in isolation. We welcome this engagement with pharmacists in addressing threats that endanger the lives and wellbeing of our citizens,” the AIG remarked.

The meeting provided an avenue for a robust exchange of ideas on joint interventions, including sensitization campaigns, intelligence sharing, and coordinated enforcement efforts. Both parties expressed optimism that the new partnership would yield tangible results in the ongoing fight against drug-related crimes and healthcare fraud.

The ACPN delegation was warmly received by the Zone 7 Command, signaling a shared resolve to bridge the gap between public health and security enforcement in the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding areas.