Customs Seeks Intelligence Sharing To Curb Smuggling, Trans-Border Crime

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, has called for stronger intelligence sharing and operational collaboration among security agencies to combat smuggling, trans-border crime and other security threats in Lagos and neighbouring areas.

The acting comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, made the call during a familiarisation tour of sister security and law enforcement agencies in Lagos.

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The visit was aimed at strengthening existing relationships and exploring practical areas of cooperation in intelligence gathering, information exchange, joint operations and enforcement of relevant laws.

Afeni visited the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, where he was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai. Other agencies visited included the Department of State Services (DSS), Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Strategic Command, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade, Ikeja.

Speaking during his meeting with the Commissioner of Police, Afeni said stronger collaboration among security agencies was necessary to prevent criminal elements from exploiting the election period to perpetrate illicit activities capable of threatening national security.

“We know that crime rates often increase as the country approaches the election period, as some people may attempt to take advantage of the period to perpetrate illicit activities capable of causing crises during the elections. Therefore, we are here to call for closer synergy so that these bad elements do not have their way,” he said.

The Acting Comptroller stressed that the responsibilities of the Federal Operations Unit extended beyond securing the nation’s borders, noting that effective intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement were critical to protecting national interests.

He added that no security agency could effectively tackle criminal activities in isolation, making sustained cooperation among relevant institutions imperative.

Afeni also acknowledged the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force, expressing the need to strengthen information exchange and operational coordination to improve the effectiveness of security operations.

In his response, Fatai described the visit as a welcome initiative that had contributed to the strong working relationship between the police and the Customs Service over the years.

“In Lagos, we have a very strong and robust relationship with all security agencies, notwithstanding the huge population of the state,” the police commissioner said.

The Acting Comptroller also visited the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, where he was received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola.

Babalola underscored the importance of joint efforts in tackling criminality and urged security agencies to avoid unnecessary administrative bottlenecks that could undermine operational efficiency.

The other agencies visited also reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining collaboration with the Customs Service in addressing security challenges within their respective areas of responsibility.

The visits form part of FOU Zone ‘A’s efforts to strengthen collaborative enforcement against smuggling and other trans-border crimes, while supporting national security, revenue protection, trade facilitation and Nigeria’s broader economic interests.