Customs, police intensify joint operations against smuggling along Idiroko corridor

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command and the Nigeria Police Force have reinforced their operational partnership to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes along the Idiroko Border corridor in Ogun State.

In a release signed by Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the command, the renewed collaboration followed a courtesy visit by the Area Commander of Police in Idiroko, ACP Adejumo Segun, accompanied by the Border Patrol Commander, to the customs formation, where both agencies agreed to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinate enforcement operations to curb illicit trade across the border.

During the engagement, Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said that although the Idiroko axis currently enjoys relative calm, maintaining the stability requires sustained cooperation and proactive security measures among relevant agencies.

Afeni emphasised that national security should be treated as a shared responsibility, urging personnel of both organisations to see themselves as strategic partners rather than rivals in the effort to dismantle smuggling syndicates and other criminal networks operating along the Idiroko–Igolo corridor.

He noted that stronger collaboration would help disrupt illegal trade routes and prevent economic sabotage before such activities gain ground in the border communities.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which prioritises collaboration, consolidation and innovation within the Service.

Afeni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to building productive relationships with security agencies and stakeholders in Ogun State to enhance border security and promote legitimate trade.

In his remarks, ACP Adejumo Segun welcomed the strengthened partnership, expressing the Police Command’s readiness to deepen cooperation with customs to improve safety in border communities and curb illegal trade activities.

He stressed that effective intelligence exchange and joint operations would help security agencies stay ahead of criminal elements exploiting porous border routes.

The meeting ended with both agencies pledging sustained synergy, regular intelligence sharing and coordinated operations aimed at securing the Ogun border corridor and protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.