The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has strengthened collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, to combat smuggling and improve national security.
The initiative followed courtesy visits by the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command to the security agencies led by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Nkeiruka Nwala, the visits focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement and improved operational communication.
At the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Nwala, who was received by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Patrick Alimikhena, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
She said the region’s geographical features, particularly its extensive land and maritime routes, required sustained collaboration to address smuggling and emerging security threats.
“Cooperation between the customs service and the military is critical to securing border areas and protecting the nation’s economic interests,” she said.
Nwala said the engagements reflected the command’s commitment to building productive relationships with sister agencies to improve operational effectiveness.
Also Read: Customs intercepts ₦362m smuggling haul in Adamawa
She also reaffirmed its commitment to the Comptroller-General of Customs’ strategic framework of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation.
In his remarks, Alimikhena welcomed the delegation and expressed the Army’s readiness to work with the NCS to curb smuggling and other economic crimes.
He said all necessary measures within the law must be taken to stop economic saboteurs.
During a separate visit to the Eastern Naval Command, the delegation was received on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding by the Chief of Staff, Rear Adm. Steven Ibrahim.
Ibrahim highlighted the Navy’s achievements in combating economic crimes, particularly sea piracy and oil theft, noting that intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation had contributed significantly to the successes.
He stressed that collaboration among security agencies was essential to addressing the country’s security challenges.
Ibrahim said sustained partnerships would help combat smuggling, protect government revenue, facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen national security.
“Our commitment remains a call to duty, and we are always ready to collaborate with sister security agencies to address these challenges,” he said.
The Customs delegation also visited the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in tackling security challenges and protecting critical national assets.
NAN
