The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) to enhance security and business operations statewide.
Jimoh made this known on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, in Lagos.
The Commissioner described the NCS as a “sister agency,” emphasising that both institutions shared a common national purpose — ensuring peace, progress, and prosperity for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Customs and the Police are one family. We are serving the same master — the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our synergy is strong, and we must continue to strengthen it for the benefit of our nation,” he said.
Jimoh explained that his visit aimed to reinforce cooperation between the two agencies, particularly in the areas of port security, trade facilitation, and public trust.
He recalled that during his tenure in the Eastern Command, he maintained a close working relationship with Customs officials to ensure both agencies aligned with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.
“When I resumed duty at the ports, I discovered that some individuals were using police protection to obstruct legitimate business operations.
“I immediately disbanded such arrangements because we must never be seen as backing illegality,” he stated.
The police chief noted that since assuming office in Lagos, he had visited several Customs Controllers to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.
While acknowledging past conflicts among security operatives, Jimoh clarified that the NPF and NCS had continued to maintain a cordial relationship.
He added that recent incidents of violence involving security personnel did not include Customs officers.
“The police and customs remain on the same page. Bad behaviour should not be tolerated in any organisation, and we will continue to work together to prevent a reoccurrence of such incidents,” he said.
Jimoh pledged full police support in protecting Customs personnel, facilities, and property across Lagos State.
He directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to provide immediate assistance whenever called upon by Customs officials.
“Anytime they call on you for assistance, you don’t need any committee approval — it is your constitutional duty to support them,” he told officers.
The commissioner also commended the NCS leadership for recent policy initiatives promoting transparency and accountability in vehicle importation and other trade processes.
He noted that such reforms aligned with the police’s commitment to lawful and efficient service delivery.
He urged officers of both agencies to uphold professionalism, discipline, and mutual respect while working to eliminate misconduct within their ranks to sustain public confidence.
Jimoh expressed gratitude for the warm reception by the Customs Command and reaffirmed his readiness to collaborate closely with the NCS in strengthening security around Lagos ports and border areas.
“We want the public and other stakeholders to see us as one united force working for the good of the nation,” he said.
In her response, Comptroller Abubakar reaffirmed the strong partnership between the NCS and other security agencies, including the NPF and the Nigerian Army, underscoring the importance of synergy in safeguarding national economic interests.
She expressed delight over the long-standing collaboration between the agencies, describing the relationship as both professional and personal.
“We have always worked together in unity and cooperation.
“Our relationship with the police and other security agencies dates back many years.
even before I joined the Customs Service,
“I witnessed the close connection among our agencies. Today, that bond has grown stronger and more effective.” she said.
Abubakar noted that the understanding among security agencies had contributed significantly to maintaining order and ensuring smooth operations within the Lagos Free Trade Zone — one of Nigeria’s major economic hubs.
“We have no issues working together. The synergy keeps getting better, and we are proud of our collective achievements.
“We share information, support one each other, and remain committed to protecting the nation and making Nigeria great,” she said.
The comptroller also spoke fondly of her personal relationship with the Police Commissioner, describing him as “a father and a brother” who had continuously supported inter-agency collaboration.
She assured that under her leadership, the LFTZ Command would continue to promote cooperation with all stakeholders to enhance trade facilitation, security, and national development.
“We are one family serving the same nation,” Abubakar concluded.
“Our shared mission is to ensure that the Lagos Free Trade Zone continues to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth, ” she said.
