By Peace Udugba
Kokumo commends Customs’ border security efforts as both agencies pledge stronger intelligence sharing and joint operations
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has strengthened its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to tackle the proliferation and illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons across Nigeria’s borders.
The Director General of the NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on August 19, 2026.
Kokumo commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit arms and other prohibited items, describing the Service as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that Customs plays a strategic role in securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition and other prohibited goods, adding that effective collaboration among security agencies was essential to tackling transnational crimes.
The NCCSALW boss stressed the need for enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations to address the threats posed by the illicit circulation of weapons.
According to him, sustained collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies is vital to safeguarding lives and property, protecting national assets and maintaining peace and stability across the country.
Kokumo also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD, for his support for inter-agency collaboration and commended his leadership for promoting synergy among security and law enforcement agencies.
He assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the NCCSALW’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service through intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, appreciated Kokumo and his delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the NCCSALW in strengthening national security.
Umar reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing government policies, securing the nation’s borders and supporting lawful initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.
He added that the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to strengthen its operational strategies, improve intelligence-gathering mechanisms and maintain effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure efficient border management.
The Customs Area Controller also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for his leadership, support and efforts to reposition the Service for greater efficiency, professionalism and inter-agency cooperation.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to identify areas of mutual interest and discuss practical measures for improving intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement operations.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by the NCCSALW and the Nigeria Customs Service to work closely towards building a safer and more secure Nigeria through effective arms control, stronger border security and sustained inter-agency collaboration.
