By Bon Peters
OWERRI/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, and key security agencies in Imo State have pledged to strengthen cooperation in tackling smuggling, addressing security threats and sustaining peace across the state.
The commitment followed a series of familiarisation visits by the Acting Comptroller of FOU Zone C, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Farouk Nadaniya, to security formations in Owerri as part of efforts to build closer working relationships and improve coordination among the agencies.
The visits, which began on October 16, 2026, covered the Imo State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Air Force’s 511 Quick Response Group, the 34 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Obinze, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Imo State Command.
During his visit to the Imo State Police Command, Nadaniya was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Audu Bosso, where discussions focused on the importance of inter-agency cooperation in confronting security challenges.
Nadaniya described collaboration among security agencies as essential to the effective discharge of their respective responsibilities, particularly the Customs Service’s enforcement operations against smuggling and other criminal activities.
“My visit is aimed at soliciting for unity of purpose and inter-agency synergy which will enhance my operational effectiveness in my area of jurisdiction, as the fight against smuggling and other crimes is a collective responsibility,” he said.
The Acting Comptroller reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining productive relationships with other security formations, stressing that a coordinated approach was necessary to promote peace, stability and the well-being of residents.
In his response, Bosso welcomed the initiative and commended Nadaniya for seeking closer engagement with the police and other security agencies.
He noted that both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force had important responsibilities in protecting national security, lives and property.
The police commissioner urged the Customs chief to maintain close cooperation with relevant security formations in tackling insurgency and other threats confronting the state.
At the Imo State Command of the Department of State Services, Director Godwin Uche Dunkwu said security agencies in the state had maintained cordial working relationships despite their different statutory mandates.
Dunkwu assured Nadaniya of the DSS’s cooperation and pledged to sustain the support previously extended to his predecessor, emphasising the value of continuity and collaboration in security operations.
The Customs chief also visited the 511 Quick Response Group at the Nigerian Air Force Base in Owerri, where he was received by the commander, Air Commodore SP Sekego.
Sekego acknowledged the security challenges facing the state but expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to make progress through coordinated action.
He encouraged Nadaniya to become an active part of the state’s security collaboration framework, noting that the agencies worked towards a common objective.
The Air Force commander cited the recent release of kidnapped National Youth Service Corps members as an example of the benefits of cooperation among security formations.
At the headquarters of the 34 Artillery Brigade in Obinze, Owerri, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General A. Ahmed, also stressed the need for a shared commitment to maintaining peace.
Ahmed called for sustained coordination and information-sharing among security agencies to address emerging threats and enable each institution to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
He further underscored the importance of preserving cordial relationships among the agencies as part of wider efforts to strengthen security and stability in Imo State.
Nadaniya’s familiarisation tour also took him to the NSCDC Imo State Command, where the commandant, who disclosed that he was also newly posted to the state, expressed readiness to work with the Customs leadership and other security agencies.
The engagements ended with the heads of the visited formations expressing optimism about sustaining existing relationships and deepening cooperation where necessary.
The initiative comes as security agencies continue to rely on coordinated operations to confront criminal activities and protect communities. For the Customs Service, stronger partnerships with sister agencies are also expected to support its enforcement responsibilities, including the fight against smuggling within its operational jurisdiction.
