RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and private-sector stakeholders as part of measures to combat smuggling, protect government revenue and facilitate legitimate trade across its operational areas.
The initiative is aimed at improving intelligence sharing, enhancing coordinated enforcement operations and addressing security challenges associated with land borders, coastal communities, maritime routes and major transportation corridors.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala, led a delegation on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, on a series of strategic familiarisation and working visits to key security formations and a private logistics company.
The institutions visited included the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited.
According to the command, the engagements focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, improving operational coordination and building partnerships capable of supporting effective Customs administration.
Nwala emphasised that the increasingly complex nature of smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities required security agencies to work together rather than operate independently.
She explained that the command’s geographical coverage, which includes international borders and maritime environments, presents security and enforcement challenges requiring sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated responses.
CUSTOMS, ARMY DISCUSS BORDER SECURITY AND JOINT OPERATIONS
During the visit to the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Customs delegation was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena.
Discussions focused on strengthening border security, protecting communities, preventing illicit movement of goods and improving cooperation between Customs officers and military personnel.
Nwala highlighted the importance of timely intelligence sharing and effective communication in identifying suspicious activities and responding to emerging threats.
She maintained that closer operational cooperation would enhance the capacity of both institutions to tackle smuggling networks and protect national economic interests.
The engagement also underscored the importance of coordinated enforcement activities in border communities where illegal trade and other criminal operations could undermine legitimate commercial activities.
NAVY, CUSTOMS SEEK STRONGER MARITIME SECURITY
At the Eastern Naval Command, the Customs delegation was received on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding by the Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral S. Ibrahim.
The meeting centred on maritime security, surveillance of coastal routes, intelligence exchange and the prevention of illicit trade through Nigeria’s waterways.
Nwala acknowledged the complementary responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service in protecting the country’s maritime environment.
She noted that smugglers could exploit coastal communities and waterways to evade lawful Customs procedures, making sustained cooperation between maritime security agencies essential.
The Acting Area Controller called for stronger communication channels and coordinated operational strategies to identify suspicious maritime movements and prevent illegal commercial activities.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of protecting legitimate shipping operations and ensuring that maritime enforcement measures support lawful international trade.
ENGAGEMENT WITH NSCDC AND FRSC
The Customs delegation also engaged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of critical national assets and improve cooperation in addressing security threats.
The discussions formed part of a wider initiative to encourage intelligence sharing and operational coordination among agencies with responsibilities relating to public safety, infrastructure protection and law enforcement.
During the engagement with the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nwala stressed the importance of road transportation to Customs operations and the movement of commercial goods.
She explained that efficient road networks and improved transport safety were essential to facilitating trade, supporting enforcement activities and reducing disruptions to cargo movement.
The Customs chief advocated closer cooperation between the two agencies to improve road safety, enhance operational efficiency and ensure the movement of legitimate goods through designated transportation routes.
She maintained that better coordination would benefit both government enforcement activities and businesses involved in domestic and international trade.
CUSTOMS URGES LOGISTICS OPERATORS TO COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS
As part of its engagement with private-sector stakeholders, the command visited Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited to discuss operational efficiency, regulatory compliance and trade facilitation.
Nwala acknowledged the important role of logistics companies in cargo handling, transportation, supply-chain management and the movement of goods.
She urged operators to maintain accurate trade documentation, ensure transparency in their transactions and comply with applicable Customs laws and procedures.
According to her, proper documentation and adherence to regulatory requirements are essential to preventing violations, reducing operational delays and safeguarding government revenue.
The Acting Area Controller also encouraged regular communication between Customs officials and private logistics operators to address operational difficulties and clarify regulatory obligations.
She stressed that effective Customs administration required a balance between enforcement and the facilitation of legitimate business activities.
COMMAND REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO REVENUE PROTECTION
The Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command reaffirmed its determination to strengthen security partnerships and improve enforcement across its areas of responsibility.
The command said sustained cooperation with the military, maritime authorities, other security agencies and private-sector operators would help prevent smuggling, protect critical national assets and improve revenue collection.
It explained that the engagements were consistent with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ strategic framework of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation.
The framework promotes stronger institutional partnerships, the consolidation of operational improvements and the adoption of innovative approaches to Customs administration.
The command maintained that coordinated border management, maritime surveillance, transportation security and regulatory compliance remained essential to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
It added that continued engagement with relevant stakeholders would strengthen enforcement capabilities while creating a more efficient and predictable environment for legitimate trade.
The Customs Service reiterated its commitment to supporting national security, improving revenue generation and facilitating lawful commercial activities across Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
