Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service Edo/Delta Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its commitment to stronger inter-agency cooperation with the Nigerian Army following a courtesy visit by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Judith Kanu, to the Headquarters 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Asaba, Delta State.
The visit, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two agencies to tackle security challenges, combat trans-border crime, and protect the nation’s economic interests.
Addressing officers during the engagement, Comptroller Kanu expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to her delegation and commended the Nigerian Army for its dedication to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace across the nation.
“The Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Army have continued to share a common responsibility of protecting the nation’s economic interests and combating trans-border crimes. Sustained collaboration among security agencies remains crucial in addressing emerging threats confronting the country,” she said.
The CAC noted that crimes such as smuggling, economic sabotage, and illegal arms movement require stronger intelligence sharing and coordinated operations among relevant security agencies.
She also praised personnel of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices, patriotism, and support toward law enforcement efforts across the country.
Responding, the Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Moronfolu Shonibare, welcomed the Customs delegation and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the NCS.
“Strong inter-agency cooperation is essential in addressing the security challenges facing the country. The Nigerian Army remains committed to working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service in promoting national security and development,” he stated.
In another development, the Nigeria Customs Service, Borno/Yobe Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to inter-agency collaboration following a familiarization visit by the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Borno State Command, to the Customs House in Maiduguri.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Abdullahi, received the newly posted Comptroller of Immigration, Comptroller Umar Ahmed, during a visit aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation between the two agencies.
The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in border management, intelligence sharing, joint patrol operations, and national security in the North-East region.
Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Abdullahi described the relationship between Customs and Immigration as longstanding and strategic, noting that both agencies have continued to work closely to combat cross-border crime, facilitate legitimate trade, and support humanitarian operations across the region.
“The partnership between Customs and Immigration predates the current leadership and has remained instrumental in addressing security challenges and safeguarding the nation’s borders,” he said.
He further noted that the visit provided an opportunity for both agencies to align operational strategies for greater efficiency and improved service delivery.
In his remarks, Comptroller Umar Ahmed commended the enduring cooperation between the two Services, stressing that their mandates at the nation’s borders are complementary.
He emphasised that sustained collaboration remains critical in tackling irregular migration, smuggling, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
The Comptroller of Immigration also assured the Customs Area Controller of the Service’s commitment to deepen intelligence sharing and strengthen joint operations with the Borno/Yobe Area Command.
Both agencies agreed to reinforce existing liaison mechanisms to ensure prompt communication and coordinated responses on matters of mutual interest, including passenger and cargo profiling, as well as capacity building for frontline officers.
