Customs seeks stronger ties with security agencies in Cross River

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Command, has moved to strengthen security partnerships and intelligence sharing with sister agencies to improve responses to security threats and facilitate lawful trade.

The initiative followed familiarization visits by the Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala, PhD, to the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

During the visits, Nwala met with the NSCDC Commandant, C. E. Okarazu; the Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Aniekan Archibong Nya; and the State Director of the DSS, Dr Faluyi Oluwole.

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The meetings provided an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships, establish direct communication channels, and explore areas of cooperation following Nwala’s assumption of duty.

The Command said the engagements were aimed at promoting intelligence sharing, improving operational coordination, and fostering a common approach to addressing security challenges, enforcing relevant laws and safeguarding national interests.

It added that stronger collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies would support lawful trade and contribute to national development.

The initiative, according to the Command, aligns with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ strategic mantra of Consolidation, Innovation and Collaboration, which focuses on strengthening existing partnerships, adopting improved approaches to operational challenges and sustaining cooperation among security agencies.

The Command said the collaboration was expected to improve communication and coordination among the agencies, particularly in tackling shared security concerns and enhancing the enforcement of relevant laws.