The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
The renewed partnership was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the newly deployed Commander of the NDLEA Export Command, Commander Zubairu Bada, to the Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi, on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Bukola Olusola-Oke, the visit also featured senior NDLEA officers, including deputy commanders, who met with the Customs leadership to reinforce existing operational cooperation.
Speaking during the visit, Bada described the engagement as a strategic move to consolidate the long-standing relationship between both agencies. He expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to his team, commended the cordial working relationship maintained with his predecessors and appealed for its sustenance.
He also requested a sensitisation programme for Customs officers on the dangers of drug abuse.
The NDLEA commander noted that the agency had put in place operational strategies to sustain public enlightenment on the dangers of drug abuse, stressing that addressing the menace requires collective action.
“A drug addict is a danger to himself and society”, he said.
Responding, Ariyibi welcomed the l and reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA. He assured the agency of the Command’s continued support and pledged to organise a sensitisation programme for Customs officers on drug abuse and its implications.
The Customs Area Controller further emphasised that suppressing smuggling remains one of the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service. He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NDLEA in combating illicit drug trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.
The visit ended with the presentation of a commemorative plaque, symbolising the shared resolve of both agencies to deepen operational synergy in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and protecting society from the threat of illicit drugs.