CFTZ, Customs Command seeks stronger ties with security agencies

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, is strengthening inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-sharing to tackle security threats, facilitate legitimate trade and improve operational efficiency.

The initiative followed familiarisation visits by the Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala, to the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

During the visits, Nwala held separate meetings with the NSCDC Commandant, Chima Okarazu; the Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Aniekan Archibong Nya; and the State Director of the DSS, Dr Faluyi Oluwole.

The engagements focused on strengthening existing inter-agency relationships, establishing direct communication channels and identifying areas for enhanced cooperation following Nwala’s assumption of duty.

The collaboration is expected to promote intelligence exchange, improve coordinated responses to security challenges and reinforce institutional support for lawful trade and effective border and trade operations across the Command’s area of responsibility.
The visits were aimed at strengthening existing relationships, deepening institutional cooperation and establishing direct communication channels with the leadership of the agencies following her assumption of duty.
The engagements also focused on fostering a common front in addressing security challenges, promoting lawful trade and supporting national development through coordinated action among security and law enforcement institutions.
The Command said the visits underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to effective inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
It added that the initiative aligned with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ strategic mantra of Consolidation, Innovation and Collaboration, which emphasises strengthening existing partnerships, adopting progressive approaches to operational challenges and sustaining unity among security agencies.
The collaboration is expected to enhance communication and coordination among the agencies, particularly in tackling shared security concerns and supporting the effective enforcement of relevant laws.