Makurdi, Nigeria — The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to inter-agency cooperation by deepening security collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Benue State.
The renewed partnership is expected to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen joint security operations, and enhance the protection of Nigeria’s borders, waterways, and critical national infrastructure amid evolving security challenges in the North-Central region. (Facebook)
Renewed Commitment to Inter-Agency Cooperation
The collaboration was reaffirmed during separate courtesy visits by the Acting Area Comptroller of the North-Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Joseph Ikewun, to the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC in Benue State.
Speaking during the engagements, the Customs leadership emphasized that effective national security requires seamless cooperation among law enforcement agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering, border surveillance, and coordinated enforcement operations.
According to the Comptroller, the vast operational jurisdiction of the North-Eastern Marine Command—including waterways along the River Benue and border corridors linked to Cameroon, Chad, and Niger—makes inter-agency collaboration essential for combating cross-border crime. (Facebook)
Focus on Intelligence Sharing and Joint Operations
Officials from the Police and NSCDC welcomed the renewed partnership, describing Customs as a strategic partner in protecting Nigeria’s economic and national security interests.
The strengthened collaboration will focus on:
- Enhanced intelligence sharing among security agencies
- Coordinated anti-smuggling operations
- Improved border and waterway surveillance
- Protection of critical national assets and infrastructure
- Joint responses to emerging security threats
- Capacity-building initiatives for personnel across the participating agencies (The Sun Nigeria)
Security officials noted that previous cooperation between the agencies had contributed significantly to tackling criminal activities within their areas of responsibility.
Protecting Nigeria’s Strategic Waterways
The North-Eastern Marine Command plays a crucial role in securing inland waterways and border regions that are vulnerable to:
- Smuggling of prohibited goods
- Illegal cross-border trade
- Human trafficking
- Arms trafficking
- Other forms of transnational organized crime
Given the strategic importance of the River Benue and adjoining waterways, Customs officials stressed that closer coordination with sister agencies will improve operational efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture. (The Sun Nigeria)
Supporting National Security and Economic Growth
Industry observers say stronger cooperation among security agencies not only improves public safety but also supports Nigeria’s economic development by facilitating legitimate trade while curbing illegal activities.
The partnership is expected to contribute to:
Improved Border Management
Coordinated surveillance and enforcement along inland waterways and border corridors.
Enhanced Trade Facilitation
Reducing illicit trade while supporting lawful import and export activities.
Greater Revenue Protection
Preventing revenue losses associated with smuggling and customs violations.
Safer Communities
Strengthening law enforcement presence to deter criminal networks operating across state and international borders.
Officials reaffirmed that sustained collaboration remains essential to achieving Nigeria’s broader security and economic objectives. (Facebook)
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