The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) and the Nigeria Customs Service have stepped up collaboration to choke the movement of illicit arms and ammunition across Nigeria’s borders amid growing security threats.
Director-General of the NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, at the command headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
According to a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, ASC I A.A. Zakariya, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command. Kokumo commended the Customs Service for its “unwavering commitment” to combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, stressing that the agency plays a strategic role in securing Nigeria’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms and other prohibited items.
He described Customs as a critical component of Nigeria’s security architecture and a dependable partner in the fight against transnational crime
The NCCSALW boss called for stronger intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations among security agencies, warning that effective inter-agency cooperation was essential to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the country.
Kokumo also praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for promoting closer collaboration between the Service and other security and law enforcement agencies.
He assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command that the NCCSALW would intensify its partnership with Customs through intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and coordinated initiatives aimed at stopping arms trafficking.
Responding, Comptroller Umar reaffirmed the command’s readiness to work with the Centre to strengthen national security and tighten border controls.
Umar said the command would enhance intelligence gathering, improve operational strategies and deepen cooperation with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to prevent illicit weapons from finding their way into the country.
The engagement also provided an avenue for both agencies to identify practical areas of cooperation, including intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement operations.
The two agencies subsequently renewed their commitment to closing loopholes exploited by arms traffickers and strengthening Nigeria’s border security as part of efforts to build a safer and more secure country.
