On 14 October 2026, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intensified its security partnership strategy in the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command, aiming to curb smuggling, safeguard revenue and protect critical national assets.
Acting Customs Area Controller Dr Nkiru Nwala led a delegation to the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Eastern Naval Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited. The visits sought to strengthen institutional ties and improve operational coordination across land, maritime and road transport sectors.
Discussions focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement operations, protection of national assets, road safety, maritime security and compliance with Customs regulations. “Sustained cooperation among security agencies is essential to address smuggling and other criminal activities, protect government revenue and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests,” Nwala said in a statement.
At the 13 Brigade, the delegation met Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena. The conversation highlighted the strategic importance of joint efforts to secure border areas, combat smuggling and uphold the nation’s territorial integrity. The parties agreed that timely communication and coordinated enforcement would enhance regional security.
In the Eastern Naval Command, Chief of Staff Rear Admiral S. Ibrahim welcomed the Customs team. Nwala stressed the complementary roles of Customs and the Nigerian Navy in securing waterways, preventing illicit use of maritime routes and strengthening maritime enforcement. Both sides agreed on the need for effective communication and operational coordination to tackle emerging coastal threats.
The NCS also engaged the FRSC and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited. Nwala urged logistics operators to maintain transparency, accurate documentation and compliance with Customs laws, noting that such cooperation would improve operational efficiency, promote road safety and support the smooth movement of legitimate commerce. The engagements align with the Comptroller‑General’s strategic framework of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation, underscoring a coordinated approach to border management, maritime enforcement, transportation security and trade facilitation for national security and economic development.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
