Ag. Comptroller Afeni Emphasises Stonger Collaboration With Sister Agencies, Pays Courtesy Visits
The Acting Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, has reiterated that the unit’s responsibilities extend beyond securing the nation’s borders to strengthening collaboration among security agencies to protect Nigeria’s national interests.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Unit, Hussaini Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a press release, Afeni stated this during a familiarisation tour of security and law enforcement agencies in Lagos, where he called for stronger inter-agency cooperation to combat smuggling, trans-border crimes and other security threats.
Speaking during a visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Afeni stressed that effective security requires synergy among relevant agencies rather than isolated operations.
He said the Federal Operations Unit recognises the importance of working with other security agencies to safeguard national interests through intelligence sharing, information exchange and joint enforcement operations.
Afeni also expressed concern that some individuals might exploit the election period to engage in criminal activities capable of threatening peace and security.
“We know that crime rates often increase as the country approaches the election period, as some people may attempt to take advantage of the period to perpetrate illicit activities capable of causing crises during the elections. Therefore, we are here to call for closer synergy so that these bad elements do not have their way,” he said.
The Acting Comptroller noted that no security agency could effectively tackle criminality in isolation, highlighting the need for sustained cooperation among the various institutions responsible for law enforcement.
He particularly acknowledged the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force, describing collaboration as essential to achieving effective security operations.
At the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Afeni was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, who described the visit as a welcome initiative that has contributed to strengthening relations between both agencies.
Fatai said the police maintains strong working relationships with other security agencies in Lagos despite the state’s large population.
“In Lagos, we have a very strong and robust relationship with all security agencies, notwithstanding the huge population of the state,” he said.
As part of the tour, Afeni also visited the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, where he was received by the General Officer Commanding, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola.
Babalola underscored the importance of joint efforts in tackling criminal activities and advised against unnecessary administrative bottlenecks that could impede operational efficiency.
Other agencies visited during the tour include the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Strategic Command, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Army’s 9 Brigade in Ikeja.
The engagements provides opportunities for the agencies to strengthen existing relationships and explore practical areas of cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, information exchange and law enforcement within Lagos and the wider operational area of FOU Zone ‘A’.
The agencies reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining cooperation with the Customs Service.
The initiative highlights the importance of coordinated security operations in supporting the Customs Service’s mandate of combating smuggling, protecting government revenue, facilitating legitimate trade and safeguarding Nigeria’s broader economic interests.
One Comment