Customs Boss Seeks Synergy With Police to Tackle Crime in Kogi As North Western Marine Command Strengthens Stakeholder Engagements

Customs Boss Seeks Synergy With Police to Tackle Crime in Kogi As North Western Marine Command Strengthens Stakeholder Engagements

In continuation of efforts to foster strategic alliances for enhanced security and anti-smuggling operations in Kogi State, the Acting Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, North Western Marine Command, Deputy Comptroller Haliru Isa Abdullahi, on 9 April 2025, sought stronger synergy with the Nigeria Police Force.

This call for collaboration came during a familiarisation visit to the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, at the Police Headquarters in Lokoja.

Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi, who recently led a condolence delegation to the Maigari of Lokoja, reiterated the importance of esprit de corps among security agencies in the fight against crimes and criminality, particularly along the inland waterways.

He noted that the visit was aimed at establishing a watertight partnership with the Police to enable seamless coordination in tackling security threats, including smuggling, illegal arms movement, and other cross-border crimes.

“Today’s visit has provided me with an opportunity to understand key security dynamics in our area of operation and identify critical areas where inter-agency cooperation is needed,” Abdullahi said. “Kogi State, due to its central location and proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, remains a focal point for both licit and illicit activities. No single agency can effectively tackle these challenges in isolation.”

He praised the Kogi Police Command for its warm reception and professionalism, and promised to extend similar visits to other sister agencies and stakeholders to build a holistic security framework.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the North Western Marine Command, Abdullahi explained that the Command oversees patrol and enforcement operations around the Rivers Niger and Benue — two major waterways often exploited for smuggling and other illegal activities.

In his response, CP Miller Dantawaye commended the initiative and described the visit as the first of its kind from the leadership of the Marine Command.

He lauded the operational track record of Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi and pledged unwavering support to the Nigeria Customs Service. “We are ready to work hand in hand with your Command. Your visit today is symbolic of the unity we need to ensure peace and order in Kogi,” CP Dantawaye stated.

In the same vein, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi, also on Wednesday, 9 April, visited the Nigeria Correctional Service, Lokoja Command, where Comptroller Hadiza Aminu expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service in intelligence sharing and joint security efforts.

Continuing his courtesy engagements, the Acting Area Controller, on Friday, 11 April 2025, visited Chari Megumeri Barracks in Lokoja, where the Commander of 2 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, warmly received him and pledged mutual support whenever necessary.

The series of engagements underscore the renewed commitment of the North Western Marine Command, under Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi, to enhance inter-agency collaboration in delivering on the Nigeria Customs Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations around Rivers Niger and Benue.