By Titus Omajali
In compliance with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, anchored on his policy thrust of collaboration, the Nigeria Customs Service, North-Eastern Marine Command (NEMC), has intensified strategic engagement with sister security agencies in the region.
On Monday, 21 July 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Mohammed, paid a courtesy visit to the Benue State Police Command Headquarters in Makurdi, where he was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari.
The visit provided a platform for both security chiefs to discuss and strategise ways of enhancing synergy between the Customs and the Police, particularly in curbing the operations of criminal elements exploiting the Benue River as a corridor for smuggling, trafficking, and other illicit cross-border activities.
Comptroller Mohammed reiterated the Service’s commitment, under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi, to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, especially in areas bordering national security and enforcement of trade and border regulations.
He noted that Benue’s riverine nature makes it vulnerable to abuse by unscrupulous individuals, stressing the need for joint surveillance, intelligence sharing, and coordinated patrols to secure the waterways and protect communities.
Responding, CP Emenari commended the Customs Command for its proactive approach and pledged the continued support of the Police Command in fostering effective collaboration. He expressed optimism that the renewed synergy would yield positive results in the fight against smuggling, illegal arms movement, and other security threats in the state.
