Customs deepens security partnerships to combat smuggling, protect revenue
By Aisha Cole
Calabar, Oct. 21, 2026, Nigeria Customs Service, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intensified efforts to combat smuggling and protect revenue.
The command said it is strengthening border and maritime security and facilitating legitimate trade through closer collaboration with security agencies and private-sector operators nationwide.
Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala, led delegations to security agencies and a logistics company on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
The visits were to 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Eastern Naval Command, NSCDC, Federal Road Safety Corps and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited in Calabar.
The engagements focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement operations, protection of critical national assets, road safety, maritime security and regulatory compliance.
Speaking during visits, Nwala emphasised need for sustained cooperation among security agencies to address smuggling, protect government revenue and safeguard economic interests.
She noted geographical characteristics of Command’s operational environment, encompassing land borders, coastal communities and maritime routes, made collaboration particularly important and urgent.
At 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army, delegation was received by Brigade Commander, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, who welcomed strengthened partnership between both agencies.
Discussions highlighted strategic importance of cooperation in securing border areas, combating smuggling and protecting nation’s territorial integrity against criminal elements and threats.
The Customs delegation stressed that intelligence sharing, timely communication and coordinated enforcement operations would strengthen effectiveness of both agencies and improve regional security.
Similarly, during visit to Eastern Naval Command, delegation was received on behalf of Flag Officer Commanding by Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral S. Ibrahim.
Nwala underscored complementary responsibilities of Customs and Nigerian Navy in securing country’s maritime environment and preventing exploitation of waterways for smuggling activities.
She noted closer collaboration was necessary to prevent illicit activities, strengthen maritime enforcement and protect legitimate trade along coastal corridors and creeks.
The engagement also highlighted need for effective communication and operational coordination to address emerging challenges in coastal and maritime environment within Command.
At Cross River State Command of NSCDC, delegation was received by State Commandant, CE Okarazu, who commended Customs for proactive inter-agency engagement drive.
Nwala highlighted importance of cooperation in addressing security challenges, protecting critical national assets and ensuring effective discharge of statutory responsibilities by agencies.
She called for stronger communication channels, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations to tackle emerging threats and safeguard national economic interests across state.
The Customs chief also stressed importance of cooperation with FRSC in promoting road safety, facilitating legitimate trade and securing transportation routes within Command.
Received by Cross River Sector Commander, Corps Commander IT Etuk, delegation discussed safer roads and efficient transportation networks for enforcement activities.
Beyond security partnerships, Command engaged private sector, visiting Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited, where Base Manager Mr Larry Idehen received the delegation warmly.
During meeting, Nwala emphasised role of logistics operators in facilitating cargo movement, supporting supply chains and promoting efficient commercial activities across zones.
She urged operators to uphold transparency, maintain accurate documentation and comply with Customs laws to prevent infractions and protect government revenue.
She highlighted need for regular engagement between Customs and logistics operators to resolve operational challenges, clarify regulatory requirements and improve service delivery standards.
The Command reaffirmed commitment to balancing effective regulatory enforcement with facilitation of legitimate trade, stressing productive relationships with private-sector stakeholders remain essential.
The engagements align with Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi’s strategic framework of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation for improved operational efficiency and institutional growth.
The Command said sustained cooperation with security agencies and private-sector operators would suppress smuggling, improve revenue generation and facilitate legitimate trade nationwide.
