The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Shuaibu, has begun a series of strategic visits to strengthen coordination with sister security agencies and traditional institutions across Lagos and Ogun States.
According to a statement on the Service X handle on Tuesday, Shuaibu, while speaking during a meeting with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, on June 26, emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration in tackling smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
He described the police as a lead partner in internal security operations.
“We are serving the nation, so we must synergise and collaborate. We enjoy more of your synergy because you are the lead agency regarding internal security,” he said. “I still need your support in many areas, especially in terms of criminality, so that we can share information occasionally.”
CP Jimoh responded by affirming the police’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), noting the long-standing relationship between the two agencies.
“We have been working together over the years and will ensure that our relationship is strengthened for better service delivery,” the police chief stated.
Comptroller Shuaibu also visited the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, where he was received by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Farouk Mijinyawa. Highlighting the army’s role in frontline support, Shuaibu said several Customs operations rely on military collaboration.
Major General Mijinyawa commended the Comptroller’s leadership record and pledged continued military support for Customs operations.
“We know you are coming here with a great wealth of experience, which is highly required now,” he noted.
In addition to engaging security agencies, Comptroller Shuaibu visited several royal institutions in both Lagos and Ogun States to strengthen ties with host communities. His visits included traditional rulers such as the Akran of Badagry, HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I; the Alapa of Apa Egun Awori Kingdom, Oba Oyekan Ilufemiloye; the Akweno of Kweme, Oba Sejiro James; and the Onibereko of Ibereko, Oba Adewale Okoya.
In Ogun State, he paid courtesy calls to the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle; the Onikpokia of Ikpokia, Oba Yisa Adeniyi Olaniyan; and the Olu of Owode, Oba Matthew Akindele.
Addressing the monarchs, Comptroller Shuaibu said his visits were part of efforts to implement the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which focuses on consolidation, collaboration, transformation, innovation, and community engagement.
“As my predecessors have always built solid relationships with you, I am coming here today to do that,” he said.
The traditional leaders offered prayers and pledged their full support for the Customs Service.
As part of his operational assessment, Shuaibu also visited Customs checkpoints at Apa/Owode and Gbaji, where he encouraged officers to uphold professionalism and integrity in their duties.
