By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to enhance border security management in Borno and Yobe States.
In an official signed statement, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed that the Custom Area Controller in charge of Borno and Yobe States, Controller Abdullahi Mohammed Idris, made this known during a courtesy visit to the OPHK Headquarters on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
In his remarks, Controller Idris stated that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen synergy and consolidate the existing cordial relationship between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service. He explained that the Service remained committed to building strong institutional partnerships to effectively secure Nigeria’s borders, particularly in the North-East.
He further disclosed that, as part of efforts to enhance border security and management, the NCS had deployed Geo-Partial Surveillance Technology across Nigeria’s land and sea borders to improve monitoring and response capabilities. According to him, the visit was also aimed at seeking the guidance and support of OPHK as a key security stakeholder in the North-East region, especially in Borno and Yobe States.
Controller Idris acknowledged the critical role played by the Nigerian Army in the establishment of the Nigerian Customs Service Staff College, noting that the Army’s support had significantly enhanced capacity building and professionalism among Customs personnel. He expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander for the warm reception accorded him and members of his entourage, expressing optimism that the engagement would further strengthen existing ties and bolster security along Nigeria’s borders.
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, thanked the Custom Area Controller and his team for the visit and commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
He emphasised the importance of a multi-agency approach to national security, in line with the Service Chiefs’ Command Philosophy, which prioritises jointness and synergy among security agencies. According to him, no single agency can effectively address the complex security challenges facing the country alone.
Major General Abubakar noted that porous borders remain a major security concern, contributing to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which have negatively impacted security in border communities. He stressed the vital role of the NCS in curbing such threats.
He further applauded NCS personnel deployed within OPHK for their professionalism and significant contributions to achieving the mandate of the Joint Task Force, reaffirming OPHK’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Service.
The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ register and presentation of souvenirs, underscoring the shared resolve of both organisations to deepen cooperation in securing Nigeria’s borders and sustaining peace in the North-East.
