Customs, Police Deepen Partnership to Combat Smuggling Along Idiroko Border
Kathy Kyari
Security agencies operating along the Nigeria–Benin border in Ogun State have renewed their commitment to stronger collaboration in tackling smuggling and other trans-border crimes.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, recently hosted a joint courtesy visit by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force in Idiroko and the Border Patrol Commander as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and improve border security.
During the meeting, Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said although the Idiroko axis is currently calm, sustaining the peace requires constant intelligence sharing and coordinated operations to disrupt smuggling networks operating across the border.
Afeni stressed that national security cannot be achieved by a single agency, urging officers of both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force to see themselves as partners rather than rivals in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
The renewed collaboration also aligns with the core mandates of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, which emphasize collaboration, consolidation and innovation in strengthening the service’s operations.
The Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in Idiroko, ACP Adejumo Segun, said the police are committed to building on the existing working relationship between both agencies.
He noted that their focus remains on protecting residents of border communities while providing tactical support to Customs operations aimed at curbing illegal trade and dismantling criminal networks along the Idiroko–Igolo border corridor.
“We will continue to synergize, share intelligence, and work together for the benefit of the State,” affirmed DC Oladapo Afeni. “Our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with all security agencies and stakeholders remain unwavering.”
The meeting ended with both agencies reaffirming their commitment to sustained cooperation, a move they described as crucial to ensuring a secure environment for residents of Ogun State and strengthening Nigeria’s economic security.
0 Comments