Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Katsina Area Command, has reinforced its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration as key security agencies in the state pledged operational support to strengthen border enforcement and combat trans-border crimes.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammad Saidu, made this known while receiving senior officials of the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Immigration Service during separate courtesy visits to the Command in Katsina.
Comptroller Saidu described the engagements as timely and strategic, noting that effective border management requires seamless intelligence sharing and coordinated action.
“Our mandate cannot be executed in isolation. When security agencies work in synergy, intelligence becomes more effective, operations become more precise, and our borders become less vulnerable to criminal exploitation,” he said.
He reiterated that the Command remains committed to professionalism, transparency and sustained collaboration in protecting the nation’s economic interests.
The CAC further emphasized the need for timely exchange to curb economic sabotage, saying: “National security is a collective responsibility. We are committed to working closely with Customs to ensure that criminal networks do not exploit our borders.”
Similarly, the Commander of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Army’s readiness to provide operational backing whenever necessary.
“Synergy among security agencies remains vital in addressing emerging security challenges, particularly in border communities. The Nigerian Army will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service to maintain peace, protect our territorial integrity and support lawful trade,” Ibrahim said.
Also speaking, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Katsina Command, Tanko Dogara, pledged enhanced cooperation in migration control and border patrol.
The Immigration boss stressed the importance of coordinated patrols and effective monitoring of both official and unofficial routes, saying: “Our partnership is crucial in safeguarding our borders and ensuring compliance with immigration and customs regulations.”
