Seme Customs Controller, Kaila Begins Familiarisation Visits to Sister Agencies

By Sandra Chukwunyere

The Customs Area Controller(CAC) Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has commenced familiarisation visits to sister security agencies operating along the Lagos–Abidjan international corridor as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation.

Kaila began the visits on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry, where he explained that the engagement was aimed at fostering collaboration and enhancing operational efficiency in the discharge of his duties.

According to him, the Seme border remains one of the most strategic gateways for trade and the movement of people between Nigeria and neighbouring countries, making effective cooperation among security agencies imperative.

“Seme border is known to be a critical gateway for trade and services between Nigeria and other countries. Considering the volume of trade, movement of people and cross-border activities, it is clear that Seme is a sensitive and strategic economic corridor.

“That is why we need continuous collaboration, intelligence sharing and mutual support among all security agencies operating here,” he said.

The Area Controller emphasised that improved synergy among security agencies would not only enhance border security but also contribute to economic stability and the well-being of residents in border communities.

He therefore called for stronger partnership among security formations to effectively carry out their respective mandates.

Responding, the Commanding Officer of the 243 Recce Battalion, Lt. Col. Ambrose Ikoro, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vital role in safeguarding the nation’s borders and facilitating legitimate trade.

Ikoro reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening the existing collaboration with the Customs Service.

“I know the level of synergy and cooperation that exists between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service. We are committed to maintaining and improving on what we have built.

“Our Chief of Army Staff has directed that units operating in border areas should support all relevant security agencies, and the Customs Service is certainly among them,” he said.

As part of the familiarisation tour, Comptroller Kaila also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Badagry, the 15 Field Engineer Regiment of the Nigerian Army in Topo, Badagry, as well as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) office at Seme.

The visits, according to the Command, underscore the controller’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation, enhancing border security and facilitating legitimate trade operations in the area.

The statement was signed by Tunde Ayagbalo, Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller.