The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has strengthened its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to tackle the trafficking and proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition across Nigeria’s borders.
The Director General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Kokumo, made this commitment 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.
Kokumo commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its continued efforts to combat the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, describing the Service as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s security architecture.
He said the strategic role of Customs in securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition and other prohibited items could not be overemphasised.
According to him, stronger collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies is essential to addressing the growing threat posed by the illicit circulation of weapons and other transnational crimes.
The NCCSALW boss called for enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations to strengthen efforts to safeguard lives and property, protect national assets and maintain peace and stability.
Kokumo also commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his support for inter-agency collaboration and his efforts to foster stronger synergy among security and law enforcement agencies.
He assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command of NCCSALW’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Customs through sustained collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition across Nigeria’s borders.
Responding, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Umar, appreciated the NCCSALW delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the Centre in advancing national security.
Umar said the Nigeria Customs Service remained committed to enforcing government policies, protecting the nation’s borders and supporting lawful initiatives designed to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons.
He further disclosed that the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to strengthen its operational strategies, improve intelligence gathering and maintain effective synergy with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure efficient border management and enhanced national security.
The Area Controller also commended the Comptroller General of Customs for his leadership, support and efforts to reposition the Service for greater efficiency, professionalism and inter-agency cooperation.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both organisations to identify areas of mutual interest and consider practical measures for improving intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement operations.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by NCCSALW and the Nigeria Customs Service to deepen their collaboration towards achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through strengthened border security, effective arms control and sustained inter-agency cooperation.