Compt Kaila prioritises intelligence sharing, cooperation in Seme Command debut

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has signalled a renewed push for stronger border security and trade facilitation as the newly deployed Customs Area Controller, Abdullahi Kaila, commenced his tenure.

Kailua who embarked on a series of familiarisation outreach to key security agencies along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor last Wednesday, April 1, 2026, visited the 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, where he underscored the importance of collaboration in managing the nation’s busiest land border.

In a release signed by Superintendent of Customs Tunde Ayagbalo, Customs Public Relations Officer of the command, the new area commander described the Seme border as a critical economic gateway, noting that the high volume of trade, movement of persons, and cross-border activities make the axis strategically important to Nigeria’s economy.

“Seme border is known to be a critical gateway for trade and services between Nigeria and other countries. If you look at the volume of trade taking place here, movement of people and cross-border activities, one can easily say Seme is a sensitive and critical strategic economic corridor and that is why we need continuous collaboration, intelligence sharing and mutual support” he said

He stressed that sustained cooperation, intelligence sharing, and mutual support among security agencies remain vital to ensuring effective border management and national security.

According to him, stronger inter-agency synergy will not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote economic stability and improve the well-being of residents in border communities.

Responding, the Commanding Officer of the 243 Recce Battalion, Ambrose Ikoro, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its role in safeguarding the nation’s borders and facilitating legitimate trade.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustaining and strengthening its existing collaboration with Customs, adding that directives from the Chief of Army Staff emphasise support for all relevant security agencies operating in border areas.

As part of the familiarisation tour, Comptroller Kaila also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Badagry; the 15 Field Engineer Regiment of the Nigerian Army in Topo; and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control office at Seme.

The visits, according to the Controller, are aimed at reinforcing partnerships, eliminating operational bottlenecks, and fostering a coordinated approach to border security and trade regulation.

The initiative marks the beginning of what observers see as a proactive and collaborative leadership style, focused on strengthening institutional relationships to secure Nigeria’s borders and boost economic activities along the Seme corridor.