The Ibeto Seaport Customs Command, Rivers State, strengthens security strategy through synergy with the Police
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
On Friday, April 17, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port Police Command, Shuaibu A. Audu, paid a strategic familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command Area 5, Port Harcourt, Comptroller Usman Yahaya. In a statement issued on behalf of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Customs Command by Emmanuel Tangwa, a Chief Superintendent of Customs and the spokesperson of the Command, the visitation took place at the Command’s headquarters, and was aimed at reinforcing inter-agency collaboration and enhancing operational effectiveness between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).
In his speech, CP Audu said his presence at the Customs Command was part of efforts to deepen the already existing relationship between both agencies. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in achieving national security objectives, noting that no organization can function effectively in isolation.
The Commissioner further appealed for sustained support and collaboration from Comptroller Yahaya and his officers. He stressed that synergy among security agencies remained critical to addressing evolving security challenges, particularly within port environments that are vital to the nation’s economy.
Responding, Comptroller Yahaya expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing it as timely and significant. He reaffirmed his readiness to work closely with the new Commissioner of Police, pledging the Command’s full support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities.
The CAC Yahaya highlighted the indispensable role of strong inter-agency synergy, particularly between the NCS and the NPF, in ensuring effective port operations and national security. Yahaya said collaboration remains a cornerstone for achieving shared institutional goals.
Comptroller Yahaya also provided a brief history of the establishment of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command, which was received with admiration by CP Shuaibu. He assured the Commissioner of the Command’s unwavering commitment to promoting port security and contributing to the broader national security framework.
The meeting concluded with both senior security officers pledging their collective resolve to strengthen and sustain the existing partnership between the two agencies.
Meanwhile, the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command Area 5 has recorded a strong revenue performance in the first quarter of 2026, generating ₦6.23 billion surpassing its target by ₦1.69 billion.
The Command said the performance reflects improved compliance, operational discipline, and strengthened collaboration with stakeholders within its Area of Responsibility, the Command also exceeded its monthly targets consistently between January and March, demonstrating a steady upward trajectory in revenue generation. This is according to a statement by Tangwa.
According to the report, in January 2026, the Command generated ₦1,846,128,990.16 against a target of ₦1,512,861,477.02, representing a surplus of ₦333,267,513.14, equivalent to a 22 percent increase. In February, the Command recorded ₦1,633,663,637.07 against the same monthly target of ₦1,512,861,477.02, exceeding the benchmark by ₦120,802,160.05, representing an eight percent increase.
The revenue rose significantly in March, when the Command generated ₦2,751,263,813.80, surpassing the target by ₦1,238,402,336.78, translating to an 82 percent increase for the month.
Cumulatively, the Command generated ₦6,231,056,441.03 against a quarterly target of ₦4,538,584,431.06, resulting in a surplus of ₦1,692,472,009.97, representing a 37 percent overall increase in the first quarter.
The Command attributed the strong performance to reforms introduced by the Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, as well as strict adherence to directives from Customs Headquarters and the rigorous implementation of extant customs laws guiding revenue collection and trade regulation.
While speaking on the development, Comptroller Yahaya commended officers and stakeholders for their commitment to compliance and operational efficiency.
“This remarkable performance reflects the collective dedication of our officers and the growing cooperation of our stakeholders. With the strategic reforms introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, we are witnessing improved compliance and more efficient revenue collection processes,” he said.
Further he added that the Command would sustain its enforcement drive while facilitating legitimate trade.
“Our focus remains on strengthening compliance, enhancing transparency in our operations and ensuring that the Command continues to contribute meaningfully to national revenue while facilitating legitimate trade,” he stated.
The statement further noted that discipline, dedication, and professionalism exhibited by officers and men of the Command played a critical role in ensuring accurate cargo assessments, proper classification, and diligent revenue collection processes.
Also, it highlighted improved internal coordination, streamlined operational procedures and proactive supervision as factors that enhanced cargo clearance efficiency and boosted revenue performance.
The Command intensified stakeholder engagement through sensitization programmes aimed at strengthening collaboration with importers, clearing agents, and terminal operators.
Accordingly, these engagements improved compliance levels, enhanced awareness of customs procedures, and strengthened transparency between the Service and the trading community.
The statement noted that the Command remains committed to optimising revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade, adding that the current performance trajectory positions it to surpass subsequent quarterly targets.
