The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, in partnership with the Nigerian Army (NA), has strengthened ties with Beninese Customs to boost border security and intelligence sharing along the Nigeria-Benin Republic corridor.
The development followed a working visit by a delegation from the Kebbi Command to Tsamiya/Sebgana border post, Bagudo Local Government Area on Thursday.
The delegation, led by the Customs Area Controller in Kebbi, Mahmoud Matawalle-Ibrahim, was accompanied by the Commanding Officer, 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Maj., Shola Elijah-Moses.
In his remarks, Matawalle-Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of synergy and cooperation between security agencies of both countries to effectively secure the shared border and foster mutual trust.
He said security remained a collective responsibility, adding that the visit was aimed at strengthening cross-border collaboration and promoting intelligence sharing for improved border management.
Responding, the Comptroller of Customs, Wara Border, Benin Republic, Arouna Dramane, commended the initiative, describing it as a welcome development.
He conducted the delegation around the facilities and assured continued partnership with the NCS.
Dramane reaffirmed the commitment of Benin Republic to work together in promoting peace, trade facilitation, and security along the borders of the two countries.
In a related development, the delegation visited Maje community in Bagudo LGA, where DSC, Sadiq Tahir-Muhammad was killed in a recent attack, to commiserate with men of the command and the community.
Sadiq-Tahir was killed by suspected bandits on Nov. 8, while on duty at the Maje axis.
Matawalle-Ibrahim prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and urged officers to remain vigilant in the discharge of their duties.
The controller further advised personnel to maintain synergy with sister security agencies and foster cordial relations with their host communities.
