The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, has strengthened bilateral cooperation with Benin Republic Customs and Police to improve border security. The Command’s Spokesman, Chado Zakari, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Idiroko.
Zakari said the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ibrahim, led a high-powered delegation on an official visit to counterparts in Benin Republic.
The delegation met with the Beninese Customs Administration and the Benin Republic Police Force to reinforce regional security and facilitate legitimate trade.
The engagement seeks to curb cross-border criminality and strengthen cooperation between security agencies of both countries.
“The strategic engagement underscores the shared commitment of both nations to foster a seamless, secure and prosperous border corridor.
“It also aligns with broader sub-regional integration goals and the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Zakari said.
He said the security officials agreed on frameworks for real-time information and intelligence sharing to dismantle cross-border smuggling syndicates. He added that the frameworks would also target arms trafficking networks and irregular migration.
The delegations reviewed joint patrol strategies along vulnerable border corridors to protect national economies and border communities.
Discussions also focused on streamlining clearance procedures, Coordinated Border Management and the One-Stop Border Post framework.
Other priorities included addressing operational bottlenecks and promoting transparent, technology-driven trade integration between Nigeria and Benin.
Speaking during the bilateral meeting, Ibrahim emphasised the importance of neighbourly solidarity and proactive enforcement. “Building a closer and more fruitful relationship with our neighbours is a fundamental priority.
“Criminal elements do not respect artificial boundaries; therefore, our response must be unified, swift and uncompromising,” he said.
Ibrahim said the visit reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to protecting economic assets and frontline officers. He added that stronger cooperation would ensure legitimate traders conducted their businesses safely.
Officials of the the Beninese Customs command for Igolo-Idiroko and Police command welcomed the renewed bilateral cooperation.
The Beninese officials said multi-agency collaboration between customs and law enforcement remained essential for sustainable border management and regional stability.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to developing a model border post that promotes economic growth while combating economic sabotage.
