Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu pursues solid cooperation and collaboration with stakeholders to frustrate smuggling activities at the Ogun 1 Customs Command, Idiroko, Ogun State
By Innocent Chukwu
In his effort to reduce smuggling to its barest minimum, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, has reaffirmed his commitment to ending the recurrent clashes between smugglers and Customs officers through enhanced cooperation with traditional rulers and security agencies in Ogun State.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari on March 10, 2025, the Area Controller met prominent traditional leaders, including His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the Olu of Owode, Oba M.S. Akindele and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Paramount Ruler of Yewa land during courtesy visits.
The statement affirmed that the visit aimed at fostering stronger ties to improve economic growth and security along Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin.
Shuaibu stressed the vital role traditional leaders play in maintaining peace and order within their communities and commended them for their support, while highlighting the importance of leveraging the experience and influence of traditional institutions to strengthen border security and curb smuggling activities.
The CAC also engaged with sister security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Department of State Security Services (DSS).
According to the statement, discussions focused on intelligence sharing and resource collaboration to combat cross-border crimes and safeguard national security and economic stability.
Comptroller Shuaibu, who acknowledged the strategic importance of Ogun State’s borders, restated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to adopting innovative strategies to combat smuggling and accelerate the country’s economic growth.
He, therefore, canvassed sustained cooperation and dedication among all stakeholders to address emerging challenges and strengthen regional security.
