The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration to tackle smuggling, human trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
The new Acting Customs Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Nkeiruka Nwala, made the commitment during a familiarisation visit to the NIS Cross River Command in Calabar.
This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASC Yireabasi Ukpong, and made available on Saturday in Calabar.
Nwala stressed the need for sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations among security agencies.
She said a stronger collaboration between the NCS and the NIS was critical to securing the nation’s borders and addressing emerging security challenges.
According to her, the NIS plays a strategic role in border management and migration control, making its partnership with the NCS indispensable to national security.
She noted that effective cooperation would not only strengthen border surveillance but also facilitate legitimate trade and the lawful movement of people.
The new acting area controller also said that the increasing security challenges along the nation’s borders required a collective response, adding that stronger institutional relationships would improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
She described the visit as an opportunity to deepen existing relationships, exchange ideas, and identify areas of mutual interest, particularly in promoting peace, security, and economic development.
The NCS chief also emphasised the importance of maintaining cordial relations between the two agencies in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
The engagement provides an opportunity for both agencies to discuss strategies for improving cooperation and strengthening their operational relationship.
