In its bid to bolster inter-agency collaboration and enhance maritime and border security, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has conducted a two-day joint training exercise and patrol with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The joint initiative, aimed at strengthening operational coordination, promoting unified enforcement efforts, and improving capacity development among the agencies operating in Nigeria’s backwaters and border regions was held from July 16 to 17, 2025.
The exercise involved two Customs Commands – the Seme Area Command, Badagry, and Western Marine Command, Apapa, Lagos.
Speaking on the importance of the training, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain BO Omotayo, stressed the need for strong cooperation, shared understanding, and effective information exchange to address evolving security challenges.
He described the exercise as a strategic platform for enhancing inter-agency synergy and more efficient responses to economic threats and border crimes.
The first day featured two engaging lectures: “Optimizing Multi-Agency Cooperation Towards Enhancing Operations” and “Impact of Inter-Agency Collaboration: Leveraging Core Competence and Security Cohesion.” The sessions were followed by an interactive dialogue where participants exchanged ideas and strategies to improve coordination and intelligence sharing.
The exercise concluded with a joint patrol across designated waterways in the Badagry area, allowing the participating officers to apply knowledge gained from the training in real-time scenarios. The patrol showcased the improved interoperability between the Navy and Customs and reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating smuggling, human trafficking, and other trans-border crimes.
This effort aligns with the strategic vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as outlined in the CNS Strategic Directive 06-2023, which emphasises proactive engagement and inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and border environments.
