The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for sustained intelligence sharing and operational synergy with the army to tackle smuggling and other border area crimes.
The Acting Controller, Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area, Nkeiruka Nwala, made the call when she visited the 2 Brigade Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Mbiokporo, Akwa Ibom.
Nwala reiterated the need for both agencies to strengthen institutional relations and explore areas of mutual cooperation for more effective performance.
She expressed the commitment of the NCS to sustaining security and economic stability within the operational area.
The NCS official said that the role of the army in maintaining peace and security in areas that required coordinated efforts could not be over emphasised.
“We are committed to to working closely with sister security agencies in advancing our statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade,” she said.
The Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Nnabueze Okoloagu commended the acting area controller for the visit and commitment to operational synergy.
Okoloagu restated the army’s readiness to sustain cooperation with NCS in order to tackle smuggling and other border area crimes.
The commander reaffirmed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling security threats, and promoting a safe environment for legitimate economic activities.
