The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command has strengthened its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes along the Idiroko corridor in Ogun State.

The renewed partnership was announced during a high-level courtesy visit by the Police Area Commander in Idiroko and the Border Patrol Commander to the Customs command.

Officials said the meeting focused on improving intelligence sharing and coordinating operations to dismantle smuggling networks operating along the border.

The development comes as authorities intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s economy from illicit trade and revenue losses linked to cross-border smuggling.

Why it matters

The border town of Idiroko is a major transit route connecting Nigeria to neighbouring communities in Benin Republic.

Security agencies say the corridor has long been vulnerable to smuggling activities involving food items, fuel, and other contraband goods.

Joint operations between the Customs Service and Police are expected to improve enforcement, reduce illegal trade, and enhance safety for residents in border communities.

Customs: intelligence collaboration key to stability

Speaking during the visit, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the area currently enjoys relative calm but warned that sustained cooperation among security agencies is necessary to maintain stability.

Afeni said, “Although the Idiroko axis is currently experiencing relative calm, sustaining the stability requires continuous intelligence collaboration and joint operations among security agencies.”

He stressed that protecting Nigeria’s borders and economic interests is a shared responsibility.

Afeni added, “Safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting the economy is a shared responsibility,” urging officers of both agencies to work together toward a common goal.

He also noted that the renewed cooperation aligns with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

According to him, the agenda prioritises collaboration, consolidation, and innovation in tackling economic crimes and improving border management.

Police pledge support for anti-smuggling operations

The Police Area Commander in Idiroko, ACP Adejumo Segun, said the command was committed to strengthening its relationship with the Customs Service.

Segun said the partnership would focus on protecting residents in border communities while supporting Customs officers in the fight against illicit trade.

He explained that intelligence sharing between both agencies would also help disrupt criminal networks operating along the Idiroko–Igolo border corridor.

Industry and security perspective

Security analysts say stronger collaboration between border agencies could significantly reduce smuggling activities that undermine Nigeria’s economy.

Experts also note that joint intelligence operations often improve response time and make it harder for criminal networks to exploit gaps between enforcement agencies.

Border residents have previously raised concerns about illegal trade and insecurity along the corridor, making coordinated patrols crucial for safety and economic stability.

What’s next

Both the Customs Service and the Police say they will continue to strengthen operational synergy through joint patrols, intelligence exchanges, and coordinated enforcement actions.

Authorities believe the renewed partnership will create a safer environment for residents of border communities in Ogun State while protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.