In a bid to curb cross-border crime and boost legitimate trade, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, led a high-powered Nigerian delegation on a joint official visit to counterparts in the Republic of Benin.
The bilateral engagement brought together officials from the Beninese Customs Administration and the Benin Republic Police Force. It focused on reinforcing regional security, dismantling smuggling networks, and improving coordination along the shared border corridor.
This was contained in a press release issued in Ogun State and signed by Customs Public Relations Officer for Ogun 1 Command, Zakari Chado.
Chado, a Deputy Superintendent of Customs disclosed that the discussions centred on real-time intelligence sharing to combat trans-border smuggling syndicates, arms trafficking, and irregular migration. The two sides also reviewed joint patrol strategies along porous border areas to protect national economies and border communities.
According to the release,operational issues received strong attention. Officials prioritised streamlining clearance procedures, advancing Coordinated Border Management, and improving the One-Stop Border Post framework. They also examined ways to remove bottlenecks and promote transparent, technology-driven trade integration between Nigeria and Benin, in line with broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals.
Deputy Comptroller Ibrahim stressed the need for closer neighbourly cooperation. “Building a closer and more fruitful relationship with our neighbors is a fundamental priority. Criminal elements do not respect artificial boundaries; therefore, our response must be unified, swift, and uncompromising. This visit solidifies our shared dedication to safeguarding our economic assets, protecting our officers on the frontlines, and ensuring that legitimate traders thrive safely,” he said.
Beninese Customs Area Controller for Igolo-Idiroko, Col. Kounozo, and Commissioner of Police Moussa welcomed the renewed cooperation. They described multi-agency collaboration between customs and law enforcement as essential for sustainable border management and regional stability.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to developing a model border post that supports economic growth while confronting economic saboteurs.
The meeting was described by Nigerian Customs as a decisive step toward a more secure and prosperous border corridor.
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