By Peace Udugba
NCS North-West Security Summit Seeks Stronger Collaboration, Community Engagement to Tackle Insecurity
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) North-West Security Summit has called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, enhanced community engagement, and sustainable non-kinetic measures to address insecurity and promote regional stability.
The summit, approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi on June 18, 2026, brought together key stakeholders from security agencies, traditional institutions, government, business groups, and local communities.
PHOTO PAGE OF THE EVENT.
The event, chaired by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Timi Bomodi, was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, who represented Governor Nasir Idris. Representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, the Gwandu Emirate, traditional rulers, and community leaders were also present.
Welcoming participants, the Customs Area Controller of the Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, described the summit, themed “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Border Security and Regional Stability,” as a reflection of the shared commitment to strengthening partnerships and fostering a safer and more prosperous North-West region. He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for approving the summit and to the Kebbi State Government for hosting the event.
In his remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi said the summit was convened to obtain direct feedback from communities and security stakeholders on improving security and supporting economic development. He noted that creating a secure environment would facilitate the eventual reopening of borders for legitimate trade and commerce when conditions permit.
Representing Governor Nasir Idris, Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida reaffirmed the Kebbi State Government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and commended their efforts in protecting lives and property.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening security, restoring economic activities, and promoting lasting peace across Kebbi State through enhanced cooperation and collective action.
Traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted challenges confronting their communities, including unemployment, drug abuse, cross-border crimes, threats to informants, and the displacement of some traditional leaders due to insecurity. They called for stronger protection for informants and greater confidence in the justice system to encourage citizens to report criminal activities.
Participants also agreed that insecurity cannot be addressed solely through military operations. They emphasized the need for non-kinetic approaches such as youth empowerment, education, skills acquisition, agricultural support, and economic opportunities to reduce vulnerability to criminal recruitment and violent extremism.
Security agencies outlined ongoing efforts to improve coordination and operational efficiency while acknowledging challenges including communication gaps, limited resources, and the complexity of cross-border criminal activities. They recommended improved intelligence sharing, enhanced operational capacity, regular stakeholder engagements, and stronger coordination mechanisms among security agencies.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General Bomodi urged stakeholders to embrace proactive solutions and collective responsibility. He stressed that peace, security, and economic development are interconnected and that sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and communities remains essential to restoring stability and prosperity in Kebbi State.
The summit ended with a collective commitment by stakeholders to continue engaging, sharing information, implementing agreed recommendations, and working together towards a safer, more secure, and prosperous Kebbi State.
According to a statement signed by Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer for the Customs Area Controller, the resolutions reached at the summit are expected to strengthen regional security and support economic growth across the North-West.
