Customs, Police Strengthen Partnership to Address Security Challenges in Delta
By Opeyemi Omodara
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Edo/Delta Area Command, and the Delta State Police Command have pledged to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and operational coordination to address security challenges, protect lives and property, and promote legitimate trade and economic activities.
The commitment was made on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, during a strategic engagement between the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Dominic Ortsen, and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, in Asaba, Delta State.
According to a press statement issued on Thursday, 29 October 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Peters Josu, the engagement was aimed at consolidating the existing relationship between the two agencies and establishing more effective communication channels to enhance operational efficiency.
Speaking during the meeting, DC Ortsen said although both agencies have distinct statutory responsibilities, their duties intersect in several areas, particularly in addressing security threats affecting trade, economic activities and public safety. He stressed that intelligence sharing, regular engagement and effective collaboration were essential to identifying emerging threats and resolving operational challenges.
He noted that the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandates of trade facilitation, revenue protection and national security required sustained cooperation with relevant security agencies, adding that stronger partnerships would create an enabling environment for legitimate business activities.
In his response, CP Erale welcomed the initiative and assured the Customs delegation of the Police Command’s continued support. He emphasised the need for joint planning, coordinated deployment and effective communication among security agencies, particularly during elections and other major public activities, to maintain law and order.
The Police Commissioner also advocated sustained inter-agency engagement and the appointment of competent liaison officers to facilitate intelligence sharing, operational planning and prompt resolution of issues requiring joint intervention. He urged both agencies to approach security challenges with responsibility, professionalism and mutual respect.
“The engagement forms part of the Edo/Delta Area Command’s stakeholder collaboration initiatives aimed at strengthening partnerships with sister security agencies to advance the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandates of trade facilitation, revenue generation and national security.” Part of the statement reads.
