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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command has stepped up its fight against smuggling collaborating with security agencies and private operators to protect revenue and keep legitimate trade moving.
Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala, led delegations on Wednesday, 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 centred on intelligence sharing, joint enforcement, protection of critical national assets, road safety, maritime security and compliance with Customs rules.
Nwala said sustained cooperation is essential to curb smuggling and other crimes, protect government revenue and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests. She noted that the Command’s terrain, spanning land borders, coastal communities and maritime routes, makes collaboration even more critical.
At the 13 Brigade, the delegation was received by Brigade Commander Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena. Both sides stressed that intelligence sharing, timely communication and coordinated operations would strengthen border security and help protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
At the Eastern Naval Command, Chief of Staff Rear Admiral S. Ibrahim received the team on behalf of the Flag Officer Commanding. Nwala underscored the complementary roles of Customs and the Navy. She said closer collaboration was needed to stop smugglers from exploiting waterways while protecting legitimate trade.
The NSCDC State Commandant in Cross River, CE Okarazu, received the delegation. Nwala called for stronger communication channels, intelligence sharing and joint operations to tackle emerging threats and protect critical national assets.
At the FRSC, Cross River Sector Commander, Corps Commander IT Etuk, hosted the team. Nwala said road transport remains critical to Customs operations. Better coordination, she added, would improve efficiency, promote road safety and support the smooth movement of goods.
The Command also visited Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited, where Base Manager Mr Larry Idehen received the delegation as Nwala urged logistics operators to uphold transparency, keep accurate documentation and comply with Customs laws to prevent infractions and protect revenue.
She also called for regular engagement to resolve operational challenges and clarify regulatory requirements.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to balancing firm enforcement with trade facilitation. It stressed that strong private-sector relationships are vital to efficient Customs administration.
The engagements align with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ framework of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation. The framework prioritises stronger institutional partnerships, consolidation of operational gains and innovative solutions to enforcement challenges.
According to the Command, sustained cooperation with security agencies and operators will help suppress smuggling, boost revenue, protect critical national assets and facilitate legitimate trade.
