Customs NewsNews Room

Customs Intensifies Border Security in Ogun, Engages Traditional Rulers

Photo of Gift Okpanachi Gift Okpanachi Send an email 3 hours ago
3 2 minutes read

Author: Opeyemi Omodara.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has intensified efforts to strengthen border security through strategic engagement with traditional institutions across border communities.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) Chado Zakari, the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oladapo Afeni, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, at his palace in Ilaro, Ogun State.

According to the statement, the visit was aimed at enhancing collaboration with border communities and traditional leadership in preventing the influx of dangerous goods, including small arms, light weapons, and illicit narcotics, through the state’s land borders.

Speaking during the visit, DC Afeni noted the strategic importance of Yewaland due to its proximity to international frontiers, describing the community as a critical partner in safeguarding national security. He stressed that the Service remains committed to its zero-tolerance stance on the smuggling of prohibited items.

“Our borders must not become gateways for elements seeking to destabilize our democratic process. We are strengthening surveillance and enforcement to ensure that criminal elements do not exploit our borders,” he said.

The statement noted that the Command has introduced several proactive measures, including enhanced 24-hour surveillance of identified smuggling routes, improved inspection of transit goods, and the establishment of communication channels with community leaders to support intelligence gathering.

In his response, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive approach and reaffirmed the commitment of the Yewa people to maintaining peace and security. He emphasised the role of traditional institutions in sensitising residents, particularly youths, against engaging in illegal activities.

The statement further disclosed that the Customs Area Controller extended the engagement to other key border communities, including visits to the Onihumbe of Ohumbe, Oba Adekola Oje Oladokun, and the Olu of Owode, Oba Mathew Akindele.

During these visits, DC Afeni reiterated that national security is a shared responsibility, urging traditional rulers to continue mobilising their subjects against smuggling and other illicit cross-border activities. He assured that while the Service remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade, it will not compromise on enforcing existing laws.

The engagements form part of the Command’s broader strategy to build strong partnerships with critical stakeholders in securing the nation’s borders and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

Tags
Photo of Gift Okpanachi Gift Okpanachi Send an email 3 hours ago
3 2 minutes read
Photo of Gift Okpanachi

Gift Okpanachi

Related Articles

Customs, NDLEA Constitute Joint Committee to Strengthen Anti-Drug Operations

3 hours ago
Port Harcourt Area I Customs Celebrates Children, Donates Learning Materials By Muhammad Bashir The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt Area I Command, on Friday, 17 April 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to officers’ welfare by organising a children’s celebration for officers’ families, during which educational materials were distributed to children of members of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA). The event, according to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Barilule Aanee, took place at the Command and was attended by officers, their spouses and children in an atmosphere of relaxation and family bonding. Senior officers also used the occasion to encourage the children in discipline and education. Speaking at the gathering, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, said the programme was organised to appreciate the families of officers whose support remains important to effective service delivery. “This gathering is more than a celebration. It is a reminder that the Service remains one family built on unity, support and shared responsibility.” She said that despite the demanding nature of Customs duties, the welfare of officers’ families, especially their children, must continue to receive attention. “Our officers make sacrifices in the service of the nation. It is important that their families, particularly the children, feel valued and remembered.” Comptroller Atuluku commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and members of the management team for supporting welfare-focused programmes across Commands. She also praised the President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her commitment to the well-being of families within the Service. “The leadership of COWA has continued to promote programmes that strengthen families, support children and encourage unity within the Customs community.” Also speaking, the Acting Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Zone ‘C’ Headquarters, Pascal Chibuoke, commended members of COWA for the support they provide to officers and their families. He described them as an important pillar of the Service's stability and effectiveness. “The encouragement officers receive from their families contributes greatly to their performance. That support should always be appreciated.” ACG Chibuoke urged the children to remain disciplined, take their studies seriously and prepare themselves for future responsibilities. “The future belongs to you. Stay focused, make the right choices and pursue excellence in your education.” A major highlight of the event was the presentation of learning materials, including customised exercise books, school bags, umbrellas and other school items for the children. Receiving the items on behalf of COWA members, the Acting Coordinator of the Association in the Command, Barrister Mildred Anyienugwu, thanked the Customs Area Controller for the gesture. “This support will go a long way in assisting the children and encouraging their academic progress. We sincerely appreciate the Command for remembering our families.”

Port Harcourt Area I Customs Celebrates Children, Donates Learning Materials

4 hours ago
Kano/Jigawa Customs Strengthens Trade Partnership with APM Terminals …As Acting CAC Usman Adamu Eyes Higher Revenue, Export Growth By Muhammad Bashir The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has moved to strengthen its partnership with APM Terminals following a strategic visit by the terminal’s Managing Director, Kamal Rashad, to the Command headquarters in Bompai, Kano. The meeting, according to a statement issued to newsmen on Monday, 27 April 2026, and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, focused on expanding cooperation in trade facilitation, cargo handling efficiency and regulatory compliance. Both parties also explored ways to unlock greater commercial potential in the Kano inland logistics corridor. Receiving the delegation, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, described APM Terminals as one of the largest cargo terminals in Kano in terms of capacity and throughput. He said the Command remains committed to working closely with the company to maximise its operations, especially in the export segment, adding, “It is my pleasure to receive you. APM Terminals remains one of the largest terminals in Kano in terms of capacity and cargo throughput.” He stated that, “The Command is fully committed to working with you to maximise your operations, particularly in the area of exports. With your track record of compliance, APMT has the potential to become the leading revenue contributor in Kano.” DC Adamu noted that closer collaboration between Customs and terminal operators remains critical to improving efficiency in cargo clearance and boosting government revenue. He added that the Command would continue to support legitimate business activities capable of driving economic growth in the region. In his remarks, the Managing Director of APM Terminals, Kamal Rashad, commended the Kano/Jigawa Area Command for its continued support and cooperation. He disclosed that his present leadership oversight covers both APMT Apapa and Kano operations, noting that Kano has been identified as a strategic market with significant growth prospects. “We are here to appreciate the Kano/Jigawa Area Command and reaffirm our commitment to growing our operations at the Kano facility,” he said. He added, “I assumed office as Managing Director three months ago, with responsibility covering APMT Apapa and Kano. We prioritised this visit because of the significant market potential Kano offers and we are committed to strengthening our presence and operations here.” Rashad said the company would continue to invest in improving operational standards and customer service delivery in Kano.

Kano/Jigawa Customs Strengthens Trade Partnership with APM Terminals

4 hours ago
Saulawa Assumes Office as Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Promises Fair Enforcement of Discipline By Muhammad Bashir The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signalled a renewed push for discipline, accountability and professional conduct following the assumption of office of the Acting Provost Marshal, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa, who vowed to strengthen internal control mechanisms and enforce zero tolerance for misconduct across the Service. Speaking on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, during his assumption of office at the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja, DC Saulawa said discipline would remain the backbone of operational efficiency, stressing that the Provost Unit would focus on fairness, consistency and institutional renewal in carrying out its mandate. He said his appointment by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, came with significant responsibility tied directly to the values of integrity, professionalism and service discipline. DC Saulawa said, “I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me, and I fully recognise the weight of this mandate. It goes to the very heart of discipline, integrity and professionalism within our Service.” DC Saulawa noted that the role of the Provost Marshal extends beyond enforcement, describing it as a strategic office responsible for shaping institutional culture and reinforcing the standards expected of officers and men of the Service. He said, “The role of the Provost Marshal is not merely about enforcement. It is about shaping culture, strengthening systems and reinforcing the values that define who we are as a Service entrusted with national security, trade facilitation and revenue generation.” DC Saulawa disclosed that his administration would be guided by the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General built around consolidation, collaboration and innovation, adding that disciplinary procedures across Commands and Units would be reviewed to ensure clarity, transparency and timely resolution of cases. “There must be clarity, consistency and fairness in how discipline is administered. We will reinforce existing frameworks, eliminate ambiguities and ensure that our processes are transparent, timely and accountable.” The Acting Provost Marshal also pledged to deepen engagement with stakeholders within and outside the Service, noting that discipline and compliance can only thrive through collective responsibility. He said, “Our officers, partner agencies and the trading community must see themselves not as subjects of enforcement, but as partners in compliance.” On modernisation, he said the unit would embrace technology-driven systems to improve oversight and shift from reactive enforcement to preventive compliance monitoring. “In a rapidly evolving global trade environment, traditional methods alone are no longer sufficient. We will embrace technology and data-driven systems to enhance transparency and efficiency.” DC Saulawa warned officers against acts capable of damaging the Service's image or undermining national interests, insisting that misconduct in critical areas would not be tolerated. “There will be zero tolerance for misconduct in critical areas such as flagrant abuse of standards, abuse of office, and actions that compromise revenue generation and national security,” he stated. He, however, assured personnel and stakeholders that every matter brought before the unit would be handled professionally and within the law, adding, “Every personnel or stakeholder will be treated with dignity, and every case will be handled with objectivity.” The Acting Provost Marshal took over from Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Sanni Yahaya, who was recently elevated, having served meritoriously in the role and contributed significantly to strengthening discipline and internal regulatory frameworks within the Service. In his remarks, Ag. ACG Sanni Yahaya expressed confidence in his successor, describing DC Saulawa as a seasoned officer with the capacity to advance the mandate of the Provost Unit. He said, “DC Saulawa is a thorough professional with a firm grasp of service discipline and institutional ethics. I am confident that he will build on the progress made and take the Provost Unit to greater heights through fairness, consistency and unwavering commitment to duty.”

Saulawa Assumes Office as Acting Customs Provost Marshal, Promises Fair Enforcement of Discipline

3 days ago
Back to top button