Acting Comptroller Nwala Intensifies Collaboration to Combat Smuggling and Strengthen Security

The Calabar/Akwa Ibom Free Trade Zone Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had stepped up efforts to combat smuggling, enhance border and maritime security, and facilitate legitimate trade through stronger collaboration with security agencies and private-sector operators.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Dr. Nkiru Nwala, led a delegation on a familiarisation tour to the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Eastern Naval Command, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited. The visits aimed to strengthen institutional relationships and improve operational coordination.

Key focus areas of engagements centred on intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement operations, protection of critical national assets, road safety and transportation security, and maritime enforcement and compliance with Customs regulations.

At the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the Customs delegation was received by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena. The discussions highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation in securing border areas, combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

The Customs delegation stressed that intelligence sharing, timely communication and coordinated enforcement operations would strengthen the effectiveness of both agencies and improve security across the region.

The delegation also visited the Eastern Naval Command, where they were received on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding by the Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral S. Ibrahim, speaking at the visit, the Acting Area Controller underscored the complementary responsibilities of Customs and the Nigerian Navy in securing the country’s maritime environment.

She noted that closer collaboration was necessary to prevent the exploitation of waterways for smuggling and other illicit activities, while strengthening maritime enforcement and protecting legitimate trade.

The engagement also highlighted the need for effective communication and operational coordination between the two agencies to address emerging challenges in the coastal and maritime environment.

At the Cross River State Command of the NSCDC, the delegation was received by the State Commandant, CE Okarazu where Nwala highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing security challenges, protecting critical national assets and ensuring the effective discharge of the agencies’ respective statutory responsibilities.

She called for stronger communication channels, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations to tackle emerging threats and safeguard national economic interests.

The Customs chief also stressed the importance of cooperation with the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) in promoting road safety, facilitating legitimate trade and securing transportation routes within the Command’s area of responsibility.

Received by the Cross River Sector Commander, Corps Commander IT Etuk, the delegation discussed the importance of safer roads and efficient transportation networks to Customs enforcement activities and the movement of goods.

Nwala noted that road transportation remained critical to Customs operations, adding that improved coordination between the two agencies would enhance operational efficiency, promote road safety and support the smooth movement of legitimate commerce.

Beyond security partnerships, the delegation also engaged the private sector, by visiting Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited to strengthen stakeholder relations and improve trade facilitation, at the visit, the company’s Base Manager, Mr Larry Idehen, received the delegation.

During the meeting, Dr. Nwala emphasised the important role of logistics operators play in facilitating cargo movement, supporting supply chains and promoting efficient commercial activities.

She urged operators to uphold transparency, maintain accurate documentation and comply with relevant Customs laws and regulations, noting that compliance would help prevent infractions, improve operational efficiency and protect government revenue.

She also highlighted the need for regular engagement between Customs and logistics operators to resolve operational challenges, clarify regulatory requirements and improve service delivery.

Dr. Nwala reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to balancing regulatory enforcement with trade facilitation. She noted that productive relationships with both security agencies and private-sector stakeholders are essential to efficient Customs administration.

These engagements align with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ strategic framework of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation, which prioritises institutional partnerships, operational gains, and innovative approaches to enforcement challenges.

The Command emphasised that sustained cooperation will suppress smuggling, improve revenue generation, protect national assets, and facilitate legitimate trade.

Ultimately, the coordinated approach strengthens border management, maritime enforcement, transportation security, and trade facilitation—contributing to national security and economic development.