In a decisive move to strengthen the United Front against smuggling and border insecurity, the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, has embarked on a high-level working tour of sister security agencies and strategic stakeholders across Kwara State.
The outreach, which began on Friday follows DC Ogundeyi’s assumption of office on December 16, 2025.
The Acting CAC described the move as a direct implementation of the management policy thrust established by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, which prioritizes Collaboration, Consultation, and Innovation.
This development was confirmed in a statement issued through SM SULEIMAN, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Public Relations Officer of the Command and made available to 9japarrot media on Friday.
During the visits, DC Ogundeyi emphasized that the complexity of modern security challenges requires a departure from silo operations toward a more integrated approach.
“Upon assuming office, I considered it a priority to engage with my counterparts to strengthen the existing synergy. No single agency can achieve total success in isolation. By working together, we foster an environment conducive to the execution of our respective mandates.” He said.
The Acting Controller noted that while the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is primarily recognized for Revenue Generation and Trade Facilitation, its role as a critical pillar of National Security remains paramount.
DC Ogundeyi credited his predecessor for building a robust foundation of inter-agency cooperation in Kwara State, which led to significant operational breakthroughs in previous months.
He assured the heads of various formations that his leadership would be defined by mutual Respect between services, professionalism and Transparency in field operations and strict adherence to the Rule of Law.
The strategic visits covered a wide spectrum of the Nigerian security architecture, ensuring a 360-degree approach to intelligence sharing.
Agencies engaged include; The Nigerian Army (Border protection and kinetic support), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) (Migration control and border monitoring), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) (Critical infrastructure protection), Department of State Services (DSS) (Intelligence and counter-terrorism), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) (Combating narcotics trafficking) and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In their respective responses, the heads of these security formations welcomed the new Ag. Area Controller. They pledged a renewed commitment to maintaining a robust intelligence-sharing network and operational partnership, ensuring that Kwara remains a hostile environment for smugglers and criminal elements.
