CP Ojajuni seeks stronger border security, inter-agency collaboration in Ogun

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies operating along the state’s international border corridors, stressing that sustained intelligence sharing and joint operations are critical to tackling emerging security threats.

Ojajuni made the call during a familiarisation visit to the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, where he met with the Acting Customs Area Controller and Chairman of the Joint Border Security Committee, Deputy Controller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, as well as representatives of other security agencies operating in the border area.

The Ogun State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, saying the visit was aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration, reinforcing border security and consolidating existing security frameworks.

According to the statement, the police commissioner was accompanied by members of his management team, including the Commanding Officer of the 16 Police Mobile Force Squadron, the Area Commander, Idiroko, and commanders of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and Border Patrol Unit.

The interactive session was attended by members of the Joint Border Security Committee, including officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Forest Guards, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, So-Safe Corps, Port Health Services and the Permanent Secretary, Inter-Border Security Formation.

Addressing the gathering, Ojajuni expressed satisfaction with the prevailing security situation along the border corridor and commended the leadership of the Ogun I Area Command for its professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

He noted that the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service in the border areas contribute significantly to national security, economic growth and the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

The police commissioner also praised the level of cooperation among security agencies in the corridor, describing it as a model worthy of emulation.

He said, “Sustained collaboration, intelligence sharing and joint operations remain indispensable in addressing emerging security threats.”

Ojajuni acknowledged the successes recorded under Operation Kosaye and urged security agencies to deepen operational coordination, while reaffirming the Ogun State Police Command’s commitment to supporting sister security organisations.

Responding, the Acting Customs Area Controller and Chairman of the Joint Border Security Committee, Deputy Controller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, described the visit as an “August visit in July,” saying it had further strengthened the long-standing relationship among security agencies operating within the border corridor.

Afeni also commended the commissioner for what he described as the achievements recorded since assuming office and reiterated that the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service include border security, enforcement and trade facilitation.

He attributed the successes recorded within the border corridor to the unity, professionalism and mutual trust among agencies under the Joint Border Security Committee.

The meeting ended with goodwill messages from the Controller of Immigration and other committee members, who reaffirmed their commitment to sustained intelligence sharing, joint operations and closer collaboration to ensure a secure, peaceful and crime-free border environment.