By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, February 7, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Bashar, as part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions in advancing border security, community engagement, and national development.
The visit to the Emir’s palace in Kebbi State highlighted the Service’s recognition of the vital role traditional rulers play in sustaining peace, promoting lawful trade, and supporting security agencies across border communities. The CGC was accompanied by senior Customs officers, including retired Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Mohammed Jibo and retired Assistant Comptroller-General Samba Dangaladima, both of whom currently serve under the Gwandu Emirate.
Speaking during the engagement, CGC Adeniyi described the visit as a strategic component of the NCS stakeholder partnership framework, stressing that effective and sustainable border management requires cooperation beyond enforcement agencies. He noted that traditional institutions remain critical partners in sensitising border residents, discouraging smuggling, and fostering trust between communities and security operatives.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to sustained dialogue and collaboration with the Kebbi Emirate Council and border communities in the fight against smuggling and other cross-border crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.
In his response, the Emir of Gwandu commended the CGC and his delegation for the visit and pledged the continued support of the Emirate Council to the NCS and other security agencies operating in the state. The monarch also urged residents of border communities to cooperate with authorities by providing timely intelligence to curb smuggling and related criminal activities.
As part of his official engagements in the state, the Comptroller-General visited the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, where he inspected ongoing ultra-modern projects designed to enhance operational efficiency and personnel welfare. He commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre and a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named after retired DCG Bello Mohammed Jibo.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, CGC Adeniyi charged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, and integrity, describing Kebbi as a strategically important border Command for both revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. He stressed that goods must move strictly through approved corridors and warned against any compromise in the handling of transit cargo.
The CGC noted that Kebbi State remains a major route exploited by smugglers and economic saboteurs, particularly for the illegal export of petroleum products, a development that informed the deployment of special operations in the area. He disclosed that he had conveyed the President’s approval for the reopening of the Tsamiya border, reminding officers that the decision comes with heightened responsibility to prevent diversion of transit goods.
He further underscored the importance of inter-agency synergy and cross-border cooperation in tackling smuggling, banditry, terrorism, and other organised crimes, while assuring officers of improved welfare and the continued deployment of technology to boost operational effectiveness.
The visit concluded on a symbolic and morale-boosting note as the Comptroller-General joined officers and senior Customs officials in a friendly football match at the newly commissioned five-aside pitch.
