The Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its unwavering commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The commendation was made during a courtesy visit by the Director General and his delegation to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State on 19th August 2026. Speaking during the visit, DIG (Rtd.) Kokumo acknowledged the strategic role of the Nigeria Customs Service in securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition, and other prohibited items. He noted that the Service remains a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s security architecture and a dependable partner in the fight against transnational crimes.
The Director General emphasized the importance of enhanced inter agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and joint operations in addressing the growing threats posed by the illicit circulation of weapons. According to him, effective collaboration among security agencies remains indispensable to safeguarding lives and property, protecting national assets, and maintaining peace and stability across the country. DIG (Rtd.) Kokumo also expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD for his unwavering support and commitment to inter agency collaboration in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. He commended the CGC’s leadership in fostering synergy among security and law enforcement agencies, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and strategic cooperation in advancing national security objectives.
Furthermore, the NCCSALW boss assured the Command of the Centre’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service through sustained collaboration, intelligence driven operations, information sharing, and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition across the nation’s borders.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, appreciated the Director General and his delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the National Centre in promoting national security. He reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to enforcing government policies, protecting the nation’s borders, and supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.
Comptroller Umar further stressed that the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to strengthen its operational strategies, enhance intelligence gathering mechanisms, and maintain effective synergy with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure efficient border management and national security. The Customs Area Controller also conveyed the appreciation of the officers and men of the Command to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD for his visionary leadership, unwavering support, and continuous efforts in repositioning the Service for greater efficiency, professionalism, and collaboration with sister agencies in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore practical measures for deepening cooperation in intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development, and coordinated enforcement activities.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Nigeria Customs Service to work closely towards achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through effective arms control, strengthened border security, and sustained inter-agency collaboration.
