Customs Engages Traditional Rulers to Strengthen Border Control

Customs Engages Traditional Rulers to Strengthen Border Control

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up engagement with traditional rulers as part of efforts to strengthen border control, curb smuggling, and improve security in border communities across the country.

This approach was highlighted on Saturday, February 7, 2026, when the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Bashar, in Kebbi State.

The visit formed part of the Service’s wider strategy to deepen collaboration with key stakeholders whose influence remains vital in maintaining peace and lawful activities in border areas.

The CGC was accompanied by senior officers of the Service, including retired Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Mohammed Jibo and retired Assistant Comptroller-General Samba Dangaladima, both of whom currently serve under the Gwandu Emirate.

The presence of these senior officers underscored the importance the Customs Service attaches to its relationship with traditional institutions.

During the engagement, Adeniyi explained that effective border management goes beyond enforcement and requires the support of local leaders who understand the terrain and have the trust of the people.

He noted that traditional rulers play a major role in discouraging smuggling, promoting lawful trade, and building cooperation between communities and security agencies.

He said the Service would continue to work closely with traditional institutions, stressing that their involvement is key to sustaining peace and economic stability in border regions.

According to him, “sustainable border management requires cooperation beyond enforcement institutions,” adding that traditional rulers remain critical partners in sensitising border communities and building trust.

The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the commitment of the Customs Service to continuous dialogue with the Kebbi Emirate Council and other border communities, especially in the fight against smuggling and other cross-border crimes that threaten national security and economic growth.

Responding, the Emir of Gwandu welcomed the visit and praised the Customs leadership for recognising the role of traditional authorities in national development.

He assured the Service of the Emirate Council’s support and encouraged residents of border communities to work with Customs officers and other security agencies.

The monarch urged community members to provide useful information to security agencies, noting that such cooperation would help reduce smuggling and criminal activities in the area. He said the Emirate would continue to support efforts aimed at protecting the nation’s borders and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Beyond the palace visit, Adeniyi also visited the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, where he inspected ongoing projects designed to improve operations and staff welfare.

He commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre and a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named after retired DCG Bello Mohammed Jibo.

Addressing officers and men of the Command, the Customs boss reminded them of the strategic importance of Kebbi as a border state, both for revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. He charged them to remain disciplined, professional, and committed to duty, warning against any compromise in the handling of transit goods.

He stressed that goods must move only through approved routes and cautioned officers to uphold integrity, especially as Kebbi remains a major route used by smugglers, including those involved in the illegal export of petroleum products. He explained that this challenge informed the deployment of special operations in the area.

Adeniyi also disclosed that the president had approved the reopening of the Tsamiya border, noting that the development comes with added responsibility for officers to ensure that transit goods are not diverted. He said Customs officers must rise to the task and protect the integrity of the border.

He further called for stronger cooperation among security agencies and across borders to address smuggling, banditry, terrorism, and other organised crimes, while assuring personnel of improved welfare and increased use of technology to boost efficiency.

The visit ended on a symbolic note as the Comptroller-General joined officers and senior Customs officials in a friendly football match at the newly commissioned pitch, a gesture aimed at boosting morale and strengthening unity within the Command.