The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to deeper collaboration with traditional institutions following a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Bashar, in Kebbi State.
The visit, which took place at the Emir’s palace, formed part of ongoing efforts by the Service to strengthen border security, community engagement and national development through strategic stakeholder partnerships.
The CGC was accompanied by senior Customs officers, including retired Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Mohammed Jibo and retired Assistant Comptroller-General Samba Dangaladima, both of whom currently serve under the Gwandu Emirate.
Speaking during the visit, CGC Adeniyi described the engagement as strategic, stressing that effective border management goes beyond enforcement and requires the active support of traditional rulers and local communities.
He noted that traditional institutions play a vital role in sensitising border residents, discouraging smuggling and fostering trust between security agencies and host communities.
He reiterated the resolve of the NCS to sustain dialogue and cooperation with the Kebbi Emirate Council and border communities in tackling smuggling and other cross-border crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.
In his response, the Emir of Gwandu commended the CGC and his team for the visit and pledged the continued support of the Emirate Council to the NCS and other security agencies in the state.
He also urged residents of border communities to cooperate with authorities by providing timely and useful information to combat smuggling and related criminal activities.
As part of his official engagements in Kebbi State, the Comptroller-General visited the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, where he inspected ongoing ultra-modern projects aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and personnel welfare.
He commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre as well as a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named after retired DCG Bello Mohammed Jibo.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, CGC Adeniyi charged them to uphold discipline, professionalism and integrity, describing Kebbi as a strategically important border Command for both revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
He emphasised the need to ensure that goods move strictly through approved routes and warned against any compromise in the handling of transit cargo.
The CGC noted that Kebbi remains a critical corridor often exploited by smugglers and economic saboteurs, particularly for the illegal export of petroleum products, which necessitated the deployment of special operations in the area.
He disclosed that he had conveyed the President’s approval for the reopening of the Tsamiya border, stressing that the development comes with increased responsibility to prevent the diversion of transit goods.
He further underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation and cross-border collaboration in addressing smuggling, banditry, terrorism and other forms of organised crime, while assuring officers of improved welfare and the continued deployment of technology to boost operational effectiveness.
The visit ended on a lighter note as the Comptroller-General joined officers and senior Customs officials in a friendly football match at the newly commissioned five-aside pitch, reinforcing camaraderie and morale within the Kebbi Area Command.
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