Kebbi Customs Command Holds First Parade of 2026, Stresses Discipline, Integrity, Officer Welfare
The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its first parade for the 2026 operational year, with a strong emphasis on discipline, integrity, professionalism and the welfare of officers, alongside a comprehensive medical screening exercise for all personnel.
The parade, which brought together officers and men of the Command, marked the beginning of activities for the year and served as a platform for reflection, recommitment and renewed dedication to national service.
Proceedings opened with expressions of gratitude to Almighty God for life, strength and unity within the Command.
Addressing the parade, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ibrahim MM Matawalle MNIM, fdc, extended New Year goodwill messages to officers and their families.
He also paid solemn tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, offering prayers for the repose of their souls and comfort for their loved ones.
Comptroller Matawalle expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, who is also the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, for his visionary leadership and consistent support for officers’ welfare nationwide.
He noted that the CGC’s commitment to professionalism, innovation and discipline has continued to reposition the Service and inspire personnel to higher standards of excellence.
He described the parade as more than a routine gathering, stressing that it was a moment to reflect on the Service’s mandate and recommit to its core responsibilities of securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting the national economy, preventing smuggling and economic sabotage, and facilitating legitimate trade and revenue generation. He urged officers to discharge their duties with loyalty, vigilance and a strong sense of professionalism.
In his charge, the Comptroller reminded officers of the 7Cs of the Nigeria Customs Service – Courtesy without loss of dignity, Clear questions, Careful examination, Clean hands in all respects, Command attention, Control situations, and Consult colleagues – describing them as essential guides for conduct at border posts, operational areas and within the Command.
Discipline, he emphasised, remains the bedrock of the Service. He warned that negligence, compromise or betrayal of trust would not be tolerated, while dedication, loyalty and outstanding performance would be recognised and rewarded.
According to him, every officer is an ambassador of the NCS, whose conduct in both official and private life reflects on the image of the Service.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the Command, Comptroller Matawalle noted that the Kebbi Area Command is situated along critical international borders with the Niger and Benin Republics, placing it on the frontline of efforts to combat smuggling and illegal cross-border trade.
He expressed concern over prevailing security challenges along the border corridors and charged officers to remain proactive, vigilant and security-conscious at all times.
He called for enhanced intelligence gathering, strict adherence to operational procedures and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies, host communities and other stakeholders to effectively address insecurity in the region.
The Comptroller also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), disclosing ongoing and planned interventions such as the construction of boreholes and the supply and installation of solar-powered street lights in border communities.
He explained that these initiatives are aimed at improving living conditions, fostering goodwill and contributing to enhanced security in host communities.
As part of the parade activities, a comprehensive medical check-up was conducted for all officers, underscoring the Command’s focus on personnel welfare. Describing the exercise as a practical demonstration that “health is wealth”, the leadership prioritised the screening to ensure officers remain physically fit and mentally alert for their demanding duties.
Comptroller Matawalle noted that a healthy workforce is essential to effective border security, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation, adding that the initiative reflects the Service’s determination to maintain a resilient, disciplined and high-performing force.
The Kebbi Area Command reaffirmed its collective commitment to discipline, professionalism and the principles of the 7Cs, pledging to remain united as a frontline force in the protection of Nigeria’s borders and economy.
By prioritising officer welfare and community development, the Command said it remains well-positioned to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service with excellence and honour under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD.
