NCCSALW,Customs Strengthen Partnership Against Arms Proliferation

NCCSALW,Customs Strengthen Partnership Against Arms Proliferation

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its sustained commitment to combating the proliferation and trafficking of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria.

The Director General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on August 19, 2026.

Kokumo acknowledged the strategic role of the Nigeria Customs Service in securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition and other prohibited items.

He described the Service as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s security architecture and a dependable partner in the fight against transnational crimes.

The NCCSALW boss stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations to tackle the growing threat posed by the illicit circulation of weapons.

According to him, effective collaboration among security agencies is essential to safeguarding lives and property, protecting national assets and sustaining peace and stability across the country.

Kokumo also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD, for his continued support for inter-agency collaboration in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

He commended Adeniyi’s leadership in promoting synergy among security and law enforcement agencies, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service had continued to demonstrate professionalism, dedication and strategic cooperation in advancing national security objectives.

The NCCSALW Director General assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Centre’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Customs Service through sustained collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing the trafficking of arms and ammunition across Nigeria’s borders.

Responding, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, appreciated Kokumo and his delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with NCCSALW in advancing national security.

Umar reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing government policies, protecting the nation’s borders and supporting lawful initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.

He further disclosed that the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to strengthen its operational strategies, improve intelligence-gathering mechanisms and maintain effective synergy with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure efficient border management and enhanced national security.

The Customs Area Controller also conveyed the appreciation of the officers and men of the Command to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his visionary leadership, unwavering support and continuous efforts to reposition the Service for greater efficiency, professionalism and inter-agency collaboration.

The meeting provided both organisations an opportunity to identify areas of mutual interest and explore practical measures for deepening cooperation in intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement activities.

The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by NCCSALW and the Nigeria Customs Service to work closely towards achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through effective arms control, strengthened border security and sustained inter-agency collaboration.

Signed:
ASC I A.A. Zakariya, anipr
Command Public Relations Officer

For: Customs Area Controller
Nigeria Customs Service
Niger/Kogi Area Command, Minna

Date: August 19, 2026