Customs deepens security partnerships to combat smuggling, protect revenue
Lagos, Oct. 16, 2026 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intensified collaboration with security agencies to combat smuggling and facilitate legitimate trade.
The Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Calabar after strategic engagements with military and paramilitary formations.
According to the statement, Nwala led delegations to 13 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Eastern Naval Command, NSCDC, FRSC and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited.
Nwala said the engagements focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, protection of critical national assets, road safety and maritime security compliance.
She emphasised that sustained inter-agency cooperation remained critical to tackling smuggling, protecting government revenue and safeguarding national economic interests.
The acting controller noted that the command’s operational environment, covering land borders, coastal communities and maritime routes, required stronger collaboration to address emerging threats.
At 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the delegation was received by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. P.O. Alimikhena, who pledged support for joint border security operations.
Both parties, according to Nwala, agreed that intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement would improve effectiveness and secure border communities.
At the Eastern Naval Command, the Chief of Staff, Rear Adm. S. Ibrahim, received the delegation on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding.
Nwala underscored the complementary roles of Customs and Navy in securing maritime domain and preventing exploitation of waterways for illicit activities.
She stressed the need for effective communication and operational coordination to tackle challenges in the coastal and maritime environment.
The command also visited Cross River State Command of NSCDC, where the State Commandant, CE Okarazu, received the team.
Nwala highlighted cooperation in protecting critical national assets and ensuring effective discharge of statutory responsibilities by both agencies.
At the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander I.T. Etuk, hosted the Customs delegation for talks on transportation security.
The acting controller observed that road transportation remained central to Customs operations and safer roads would boost enforcement and legitimate commerce.
Beyond security agencies, Nwala extended the engagement to private sector, visiting Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited.
The Base Manager, Mr Larry Idehen, who received the delegation, assured the command of the company’s commitment to compliance and transparency.
Nwala urged logistics operators to maintain accurate documentation and adhere to Customs laws to prevent infractions and protect government revenue.
She also called for regular stakeholder engagement to resolve operational challenges, clarify regulatory requirements and improve service delivery.
Nwala said that the engagements align with the Comptroller-General’s tripod of collaboration, consolidation and innovation to suppress smuggling and boost revenue.
