By our Correspondent
The Acting Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), North Western Marine Command, Lokoja, Deputy Comptroller Nnamdi Festus Agwu, has called for stronger inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling, trans-border crimes and other threats to national security.
Agwu made the call during a familiarisation tour of security agencies in Kogi State, according to a press release issued by the Acting Public Relations Officer of the Command, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Abdulhamid Chubado. He was accompanied by senior officers of the Command.
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Agwu paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, who congratulated him on his assumption of duty and expressed support for the Command.
During the visit, the Acting Controller emphasised the need for stronger synergy and effective intelligence sharing between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force to address emerging security threats.
He further stressed that, with elections approaching, proactive intelligence sharing and coordinated security efforts would be crucial to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring a secure environment for the electoral process.
In his remarks, Kankarofi welcomed Agwu and his delegation, assuring them of the Police Command’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the North Western Marine Command in tackling security challenges and sustaining peace in Kogi State.
As part of the tour, Agwu also visited the Commander of the 12 Composite Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, who congratulated him on his assumption of duty and assured him of the Brigade’s support.
The Acting Controller reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration and robust intelligence sharing between the Customs Service and the Nigerian Army, particularly in combating smuggling, trans-border crimes and other threats to national security. He also highlighted the need for closer coordination as the election period approaches.
Brigadier General Sidi welcomed the Acting Controller and his delegation, reaffirming the Brigade’s readiness to maintain close cooperation with the North Western Marine Command in promoting peace and security in Kogi State.
Agwu also paid courtesy visits to the Department of State Services (DSS), Kogi State Command; the Controller of Corrections, Kogi State; and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Command. The visits provided opportunities to strengthen institutional relationships and identify areas for enhanced cooperation.
The Acting Controller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which focuses on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
He noted that effective cooperation with sister security agencies remains essential to the Nigeria Customs Service’s statutory responsibilities, including suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and protecting the nation’s economic and security interests.
Agwu appreciated the heads of the agencies for their warm reception and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining constructive engagements in support of a safer and more secure Kogi State.
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