By Ibrahim Bello
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to curb border-related crimes and promote regional stability in the North-West region.
Adeniyi made the call at the maiden North-West Border Security Summit organised by the NCS in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Mr Timi Bomodi, Adeniyi said effective border security could only be achieved through coordinated action among relevant agencies.
“If you want to go fast, travel alone, but if you want to go far, travel together. In the security sector, if you want to achieve lasting results, you must work together,” he said.
He said the summit, themed: “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Border Security and Regional Stability,” was aimed at ensuring that all security agencies operated with a shared understanding and stronger cooperation toward effective border management and national security.
Adeniyi said although the core mandate of the NCS remained trade facilitation and revenue generation, sustainable economic growth could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security.
According to him, discussions at the summit will focus on intelligence-driven operations, digital integration, information sharing, and enhanced inter-agency synergy to tackle trans-border crimes and other security threats.
He said inputs from security agencies, traditional institutions, and community stakeholders would help produce practical solutions for improved border governance and a stronger security architecture in the region.
The customs chief said criminal networks had become increasingly sophisticated, making closer collaboration among security agencies imperative.
“We are mandated by law to function as one cohesive unit. Criminal elements do not operate within the limits of a single agency’s mandate, and our response must equally be coordinated and united,” he said.
Adeniyi also commended the Kebbi Government, traditional rulers, and security agencies for their continued efforts to strengthen security across the state.In a keynote address, Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi described the summit as timely, given the security challenges confronting the North-West region.
Represented by his Deputy, Sen. Umar Tafida, Idris said threats such as banditry, arms trafficking, smuggling, and other trans-border crimes transcended state boundaries and required collective action.
“The threats we face today do not respect state lines. Therefore, collaboration among security agencies and stakeholders is essential to effectively confront these challenges,” he said.
Idris commended the NCS for deepening partnerships with international customs administrations and security institutions to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate trade.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the service, particularly through the ongoing Tsamiya Dry Port Project in Bagudo Local Government Area, which he described as a strategic economic and security asset.
Idris also expressed sympathy to the NCS and other security agencies over the recent loss of personnel and equipment during attacks by suspected Lakurawa bandits in parts of the state.
“These brave officers paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of our nation. Their dedication and commitment will never be forgotten,” he stated.
He assured security agencies of continued government support to protect personnel and bolster ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
The governor urged participants to use the summit as a platform for intelligence sharing, stronger partnerships, and practical responses to evolving security threats in the region.
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Area Command, Mr Mahmoud Ibrahim-Matawalle, said the summit was convened in response to rising security concerns across the North-West.
He identified banditry, smuggling, arms trafficking, irregular migration, and other transnational crimes as major threats requiring coordinated action by security agencies and communities.
“Border security remains a critical component of national security. While our borders serve as gateways for legitimate trade and economic growth, they can also be exploited by criminal networks.
“Effective border management requires intelligence-driven operations, enhanced surveillance, community participation, and robust inter-agency cooperation,” he said.
Ibrahim-Matawalle said the summit would provide a platform for strategic engagement, intelligence sharing, and the development of practical solutions to regional security challenges.
He stressed the importance of traditional institutions and local communities in security management, noting that community leaders possessed valuable local intelligence that could support security operations.
The controller also underscored the need for sustained collaboration among the NCS, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other relevant agencies.
According to him, stronger cooperation would eliminate duplication of efforts, optimize resources, and improve collective response to security threats.
He also appreciated the state government for its support to the command, including the donation of operational vehicles, which he said had significantly enhanced the service’s operational capacity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening border security, promoting regional stability, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration across the North-West in particular and the country in general. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)