Customs, Police Deepen Operational Synergy to Tackle Smuggling Along Ogun Border
Customs, Police Deepen Operational Synergy to Tackle Smuggling Along Ogun Border
By Silas Onuoha
Efforts to strengthen border security and dismantle smuggling networks in Ogun State received a fresh boost as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, intensified collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force along the Idiroko border corridor.
This renewed partnership came to the fore during a high-level courtesy visit by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Idiroko Division, alongside the Border Patrol Commander, to the headquarters of the Ogun I Area Command of the NCS.
Speaking during the meeting, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, stressed the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation in maintaining security and combating economic sabotage along Nigeria’s border communities.
According to Afeni, although the security situation along the Idiroko axis is presently calm, sustaining such stability requires consistent intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, and joint operational strategies aimed at dismantling smuggling syndicates operating across the border.
He noted that national security is a shared responsibility, urging officers of both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force to continue working as partners rather than competitors in the fight against cross-border crimes.
Afeni further explained that the strengthened collaboration aligns with the strategic policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose leadership emphasizes the core pillars of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation in the operations of the Service.
Also speaking, the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Idiroko, ACP Adejumo Segun, reaffirmed the commitment of the police to strengthening existing cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service in order to improve security within border communities.
He emphasized that the police remain ready to provide tactical support to the Customs Service in curbing illegal trade activities and will continue to share actionable intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements operating along the Idiroko–Igolo border corridor.
“We will continue to synergize, share intelligence, and work together for the benefit of the state,” Afeni stated, reiterating that the command remains committed to building strong partnerships with security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
The visit concluded with renewed assurances of cooperation between both agencies, a development expected to further reinforce security operations and promote a safer environment for residents of Ogun State and the nation at large.
