Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move to strengthen national security and curb the economic sabotage associated with smuggling and illicit trade, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Port Harcourt Area I Command, has initiated a series of strategic engagements with sister security agencies in Rivers State.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, paid working visits to the Rivers State Commands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, as part of efforts to deepen inter-agency collaboration in combating drug trafficking, transnational crimes, and other unlawful trade practices threatening Nigeria’s economic stability.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Aanee Barilule, the visits underscore the Command’s renewed commitment to fostering security partnerships that strengthen intelligence gathering, operational efficiency, and national economic protection.
Speaking during her visit to the NDLEA, Comptroller Atuluku reaffirmed that the Customs Service is determined to maintain an integrated security network that supports lawful trade while blocking illegal imports.
“The Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA share a common responsibility to protect our nation from the dangers of illicit substances and prohibited goods,” Atuluku said.
“Through intelligence sharing, joint operations, and continuous engagement, we can strengthen our capacity to safeguard our borders and our society.”
She noted that drug trafficking and smuggling are closely linked crimes that undermine both national security and economic growth, stressing that synergy among enforcement agencies is vital to breaking criminal networks.
Responding, NDLEA Commander Ahmed Mamuda described the visit as a reflection of proactive leadership by the Customs boss, acknowledging NCS as a dependable partner in Nigeria’s collective fight against cross-border criminality.
“The NDLEA deeply values its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service,” Mamuda said. “We will continue to strengthen this collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint operations, and robust enforcement activities to ensure that criminal elements have no safe passage.”
Similarly, Comptroller Atuluku also visited the Eastern Port Police Command, where she met with Commissioner of Police Micheal Okoh at the Nigerian Ports Authority Complex, Port Harcourt.
During the visit, she emphasized that enhanced collaboration between the Police and Customs would improve port operations and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.
“When we stand together as sister agencies, we send a strong message to economic saboteurs that our ports and borders are not safe havens for illegal activities,” she asserted.
In his response, CP Okoh commended Comptroller Atuluku for her collaborative approach, describing the visit as “a demonstration of authentic leadership and institutional commitment to partnership.”
He assured that the Police Command would continue to support Customs operations through information exchange, joint enforcement actions, and capacity-building programs, aimed at ensuring seamless and secure port operations.
The engagements mark a strategic step by the Port Harcourt Area I Command toward consolidating inter-agency cooperation, which analysts say is critical for maintaining trade integrity and boosting revenue generation at Nigeria’s eastern seaports.
