Strengthening Border Security: Customs and Immigration Chiefs Pledge Cooperation

By Lod Onyeji

In a bid to enhance border security and safeguard national interests, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, has emphasized the need for effective collaboration between security agencies. During a courtesy visit by the newly posted Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kebbi State Command, Mohammed Lawal Hayatuddeen, Ibrahim stressed that inter-agency cooperation is crucial to strengthening border security and protecting officers' lives.

The visit aimed to strengthen ties between the two services, with Hayatuddeen praising Ibrahim's leadership style and professionalism. "He is humble, approachable, and easy-going," Hayatuddeen said, urging younger officers to emulate Ibrahim's qualities. He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing officers' welfare, noting that a healthy mental state is key to improved efficiency and productivity.

Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, citing the loss of lives and assets suffered by both services in the past. He commended the improved cooperation and strategic deployment that have enabled continued operations in the area, attributing this success to the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which focuses on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.

The two comptrollers pledged to sustain intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation, recognizing that a united front is essential to effective border management and national security. As Ibrahim noted, "We will collaborate effectively to safeguard our officers' lives and the host communities."