Niger/Kogi Command: Emir of Minna pledges support for customs, prays for officers’ safety

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Niger/Kogi Area Command, has sought stronger collaboration with traditional institutions, particularly in intelligence sharing, community mobilisation and the fight against smuggling.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Solomon Nwankwegu, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruk Bahago III, CON, on November 4, 2026.

In a release by Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Abubakar Abdulkareem Zakariya, Command Public Relations Officer, the visit, was part of efforts to strengthen relations with traditional authorities and deepen community engagement in support of the Service’s statutory responsibilities.

Nwankwegu, who formally introduced himself to the traditional ruler, acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, social cohesion and security, particularly through community mobilisation and the provision of useful intelligence to security agencies.

He stressed that effective collaboration with traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders was essential to the successful implementation of the Customs Service’s mandate, which includes revenue generation, trade facilitation, suppression of smuggling and protection of the national economy.

The Acting Controller also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and sustained stakeholder engagement, noting the importance of building mutual trust with host communities in achieving operational objectives.

Responding, the Emir of Minna warmly received the Customs delegation and offered royal blessings and prayers for a successful and impactful tenure for the Acting Controller.

The traditional ruler prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for Nwankwegu in the discharge of his responsibilities, while also seeking God’s protection, safety and success for Customs officers, particularly those deployed to field operations.

He further prayed for lasting peace, unity and stability across Nigeria.

The Emir emphasised the need for sustained engagement between government institutions and traditional authorities, stressing that collective commitment was necessary to address security challenges, preserve peaceful coexistence and advance national development.

In appreciation, Nwankwegu expressed gratitude to the Emir for the warm reception, royal blessings and prayers, assuring him of the Command’s determination to maintain productive relations with traditional institutions and other stakeholders.

The visit underscores the Niger/Kogi Area Command’s efforts to build strategic partnerships beyond conventional security operations, recognising the importance of community-based intelligence and traditional leadership in tackling smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

The Command also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national security, facilitating legitimate trade, generating revenue and contributing to economic development through effective Customs administration.