Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has sought for a stronger collaboration with the maritime department of the Nigerian Police Force, in order to bolster security and enhance operational efficiency in the maritime sector.
The Customs Area Controller of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Comptroller Joy Edelduok, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Maritime, Garba Yusuf, in Lagos.
According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Victor Ogabor, the visit underscored the need for intelligence sharing and joint efforts in tackling smuggling and other illicit activities threatening the nation’s economy and security.
“Discussions focused on enhancing security, safety, and operational efficiency in the maritime sector,” the statement read.
The statement further noted that both officials reaffirmed their commitment to fostering inter-agency cooperation to combat illegal activities in Nigeria’s waterways.
In response, AIG Yusuf assured the Customs Controller of the Maritime Police’s unwavering support, stressing that collaboration among security agencies was crucial in addressing maritime security challenges.
“We must continue to work as a team, share intelligence, and coordinate our operations to dismantle smuggling networks and other criminal enterprises,” Yusuf said in the statement.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both agencies to strengthen their partnership, paving the way for a more robust and effective maritime security framework.
