NCCSALW, Customs Deepen Collaboration to Curb Illicit Arms Proliferation
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have resolved to strengthen their collaboration in tackling the proliferation and trafficking of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria’s borders.
The commitment was made when the Director-General of the NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on 19 August 2026.
Kokumo commended the Customs Service for what he described as its unwavering commitment to combating the movement of illicit arms, ammunition and other prohibited items into and across the country.
He noted that the NCS occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s security architecture because of its responsibility for securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of prohibited goods.
According to him, the Service has remained a critical stakeholder and dependable partner in efforts to combat transnational crimes and address security threats arising from the circulation of illicit weapons.
The NCCSALW Director-General stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations to effectively tackle the growing threat posed by illegal arms trafficking.
He said effective collaboration among security and law enforcement agencies was essential to protecting lives and property, safeguarding national assets and sustaining peace and stability across the country.
Kokumo also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD, for his support for inter-agency collaboration and his commitment to the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
He commended Adeniyi’s leadership in promoting synergy between the Customs Service and other security and law enforcement agencies, saying the Service had continued to demonstrate professionalism, dedication and strategic cooperation in the pursuit of national security objectives.
The NCCSALW boss assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command that the Centre would continue to strengthen its partnership with the Customs Service through sustained collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and other joint initiatives.
He said the measures would be geared towards preventing the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition through Nigeria’s borders.
Responding, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, thanked Kokumo and his delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to work closely with the NCCSALW to strengthen national security.
Umar said the Nigeria Customs Service remained committed to enforcing government policies, protecting the nation’s borders and supporting lawful initiatives designed to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons.
He further said the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to improve its operational strategies and intelligence-gathering mechanisms while maintaining effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies.
According to him, stronger inter-agency cooperation was necessary for efficient border management and the effective protection of the country against threats associated with illicit arms trafficking and other forms of transnational crime.
The Customs Area Controller also conveyed the appreciation of officers and men of the Command to the Comptroller-General of Customs for his leadership, support and efforts to reposition the Service for greater efficiency, professionalism and collaboration with sister agencies.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both organisations to identify areas of mutual interest and examine practical measures for deepening cooperation.
Key areas discussed included intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement operations.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by the NCCSALW and the Nigeria Customs Service to work closely towards achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Both organisations agreed that sustained inter-agency collaboration, effective arms control measures and strengthened border security would remain essential components of efforts to prevent the illegal movement and proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
The development comes amid continuing efforts by Nigerian security agencies to strengthen border controls and intelligence-led operations against the trafficking of arms, ammunition and other prohibited items, which pose significant threats to national security and public safety.
