By Fredrick Ameh
The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Abdullahi Kaila, has set a proactive tone for his administration with the launch of high-level familiarisation visits to key security formations along the Lagos-Benin corridor.
The initiative is aimed at reinforcing inter-agency collaboration and strengthening border security architecture within the Seme axis.
Kaila began the strategic engagements with a visit to the 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, where he underscored the importance of synergy among security agencies operating along the border.
Describing the Seme border as one of Nigeria’s most critical trade gateways, the Customs boss highlighted the volume of cross-border trade, movement of persons, and economic activities along the corridor, stressing the need for sustained cooperation among stakeholders.
“Seme border remains a sensitive and strategic corridor, considering the scale of trade and human movement across it. This reality makes continuous collaboration, intelligence sharing, and mutual operational support not just necessary but imperative,” he said.
Kaila explained that the visits were designed to build stronger institutional relationships that would enhance coordinated responses to security challenges, while also ensuring the seamless facilitation of legitimate trade.
He added that effective collaboration among sister agencies would not only improve border security operations but also contribute to national economic stability and the socio-economic well-being of communities within the border region.
The comptroller appealed for sustained support from all agencies, noting that past successes were largely driven by robust inter-agency cooperation.
In his response, the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Ambrose Ikoro, commended the Customs Service for its role in safeguarding the nation’s borders and promoting lawful trade.
He acknowledged the long-standing cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Customs Service, assuring that the battalion remains committed to strengthening the partnership.
“I am aware of the strong synergy between our unit and the Nigeria Customs Service. We are committed to sustaining and improving this relationship.
“The directive from the Chief of Army Staff is clear—we must support all relevant security agencies operating within border areas, and Customs is a key partner in this regard,” Ikoro said.
As part of the ongoing engagement, Comptroller Kaila also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, the 15 Field Engineer Regiment of the Nigerian Army Engineers, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control office at Seme.
According to the command, the visits form part of a broader strategy to build a cohesive, intelligence-driven security network capable of addressing emerging threats, curbing smuggling, and enhancing trade facilitation along the corridor.
The initiative signals a renewed commitment by the Seme Area Command to foster unity of purpose among security agencies, ensuring that Nigeria’s borders remain secure while supporting economic growth through efficient and lawful cross-border trade.