The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to enhance border security management in Borno and Yobe States.
The pledge was made on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when the Custom Area Controller in charge of Borno and Yobe States, Controller Abdullahi Mohammed Idris, paid a courtesy visit to the OPHK Headquarters.
Speaking during the visit, Controller Idris said the engagement was aimed at deepening synergy and consolidating the cordial relationship between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the NCS. He noted that effective collaboration among security agencies remains critical to addressing the complex security challenges in the North-East.
As part of measures to strengthen border security and management, he disclosed that the Service has deployed Geo-Partial Surveillance Technology across Nigeria’s land and sea borders to enhance monitoring and response capabilities. He added that the visit also sought the guidance and support of OPHK as a key security stakeholder in the region.
Controller Idris acknowledged the vital role of the Nigerian Army in the establishment of the Nigerian Customs Service Staff College and its continued support in building the capacity of Customs personnel. He expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation, expressing optimism that the renewed engagement would further bolster security along Nigeria’s borders.
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, commended the NCS for its pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s borders and curbing trans-border crimes.
He stressed the importance of a multi-agency approach to national security, in line with the Service Chiefs’ Command Philosophy, which emphasises jointness and synergy among security agencies. According to him, no single agency can effectively tackle the evolving and complex security threats confronting the country.
Major General Abubakar observed that porous borders remain a major security concern, contributing to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons that have adversely affected communities in the region. He underscored the critical responsibility of the NCS in addressing such threats.
The Theatre Commander also lauded NCS personnel deployed within OPHK for their professionalism and significant contributions to the Joint Task Force’s mandate, reaffirming OPHK’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Service.
The visit concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register and exchange of souvenirs.
