The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its first parade of the 2026 operational year, accompanied by medical check-ups for officers to ensure they remain healthy and fit while performing their duties.
The event began with gratitude to Almighty God for life and featured solemn remembrance, renewed commitment to national duty, and comprehensive health screenings for all personnel.
In his address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim extended New Year greetings to officers and their families and paid tribute to colleagues who lost their lives in service. He offered prayers for their souls and comfort for their families.
Comptroller Ibrahim also expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, for his visionary leadership, unwavering support, and dedication to the welfare of officers nationwide.
He noted that CGC Adeniyi’s commitment to professionalism, innovation, and discipline continues to inspire the Service to achieve new heights of excellence.
The CAC emphasised that the parade was more than a routine gathering, it was a moment of reflection, recommitment, and renewed dedication to the Service’s core mandate, including securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting the national economy, preventing smuggling and economic sabotage, and facilitating legitimate trade and revenue generation.
Ibrahim urged all officers to embody loyalty, vigilance, and excellence in their duties. He equally charged officers to uphold the 7Cs of the NCS — Courtesy without loss of dignity, Clear questions, Careful examination, Clean hands in all respects, Command attention, Control situations, and Consult colleagues.
These principles, he stressed, are essential guides for conduct at border posts, in the field, and within the Command.
Comptroller Ibrahim highlighted discipline as the bedrock of the Service, warning that negligence or any betrayal of trust would not be tolerated. He assured that dedication, loyalty, and excellence would be recognised and rewarded.
He reminded the officers that they are ambassadors of Customs, and their conduct reflects on the Service’s reputation in both public and private life.
“The Command is located on critical international borders with Niger and Benin Republics, Kebbi Area Command plays a frontline role in combating smuggling and illegal trade,” he said, expressing concern over prevailing security challenges within the border corridors.
Ibrahim charged officers to remain vigilant, proactive, and security-conscious at all times, stressing the need for improved intelligence gathering, strict adherence to operational procedures, and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies, host communities, and other stakeholders to effectively tackle insecurity.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including the construction of boreholes and the supply and installation of solar-powered street lights in border communities.
He disclosed that these efforts aim to foster goodwill, improve living conditions, and enhance security in the region.
Comptroller Ibrahim emphasised the importance of comprehensive health checks for all officers, highlighting the Command’s commitment to the well-being of its personnel.
He stated that health is wealth, noting that every officer must be physically fit, mentally alert, and prepared to perform their duties with maximum effectiveness.
The Kebbi Customs boss explained that a healthy force is a strong force, capable of safeguarding borders, combating smuggling, and facilitating trade with vigour and precision.
“The initiative reinforces the Service’s dedication to maintaining a resilient, disciplined, and high-performing team,” he said, reiterating the Command’s commitment to discipline, professionalism, and the 7Cs, and standing united as a frontline force protecting Nigeria’s borders and economy.
He added: “By prioritising the health and readiness of its officers, and by engaging in meaningful community development, the Command ensures it remains prepared to fulfill the Nigeria Customs Service’s mission with excellence and honour, under the inspiring leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD.”
