Niger: Customs, Immigration, NDLEA Renew Commitment to Joint Fight Against Smuggling, Drug Trafficking
The Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat smuggling, illicit drug trafficking, cross-border crimes, and other security threats.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Solomon Nwankwegu, gave the assurance during separate courtesy visits to the Comptroller of NIS, Niger State Command, Comptroller Hope Maduka, and the Commander of NDLEA, Niger State Command, Commander Shehu Gwadabawa, on November 5, 2026.
The visits were aimed at strengthening institutional relationships, enhancing operational cooperation, and promoting effective information and intelligence sharing among the agencies to address security challenges in Niger State and the country at large.
Speaking during the engagements, DC Nwankwegu emphasised the importance of inter-agency synergy in tackling smuggling, illicit drug trafficking, cross-border crimes, and other security threats.
He noted that effective collaboration, mutual support, and timely intelligence sharing were critical to achieving shared national security objectives and protecting the nation’s economic interests.
In his response, the Comptroller of Immigration, Hope Maduka, appreciated the visit and stressed the need for sustained cooperation among the agencies.
He also proposed the periodic organisation of friendly sporting activities to promote unity, strengthen interpersonal relationships, and foster team spirit among officers, particularly those whose operational responsibilities keep them constantly in the field.
Maduka further wished the Acting Customs Area Controller a successful tenure and assured him of the Service’s continued cooperation and support.
Similarly, the NDLEA Commander, Shehu Gwadabawa, appreciated the visit and provided an overview of the Agency’s operations, highlighting its statutory responsibilities, operational activities, and ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.
He also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, and mutual support in addressing prevailing security challenges.
The engagements provided an opportunity for the agencies to exchange ideas, identify areas of mutual interest, and reaffirm their commitment to improved security, effective law enforcement, and public safety.
The Niger/Kogi Area Command reiterated its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with relevant government and security agencies in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, towards enhanced security, trade facilitation, and national development.
