NCCSALW, Customs Strengthen Partnership Against Arms Proliferation

By Adebola Muili

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have renewed their commitment to strengthening collaboration against the proliferation and trafficking of illicit arms and ammunition across Nigeria’s borders.

The Director-General of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

According to a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, ASC I A.A. Zakariya, Kokumo commended the Customs Service for its commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, describing it as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s security architecture.

He said the strategic role of Customs in securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition and other prohibited items made the Service a key partner in the fight against transnational crimes.

The NCCSALW boss stressed the need for enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations to effectively tackle the growing threat posed by the illicit circulation of weapons.

According to him, “effective collaboration among security agencies remains indispensable to safeguarding lives and property, protecting national assets, and maintaining peace and stability across the country.”

Kokumo also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD, for his support for inter-agency collaboration, noting that the Service had continued to demonstrate professionalism, dedication and strategic cooperation in advancing national security objectives.

He assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command of NCCSALW’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Customs through sustained collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing the illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition.

Responding, Umar appreciated the NCCSALW delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the Centre in promoting national security.

He said the Nigeria Customs Service remained committed to enforcing government policies, protecting the nation’s borders and supporting lawful initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.

Umar further disclosed that the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to strengthen its operational strategies, enhance intelligence-gathering mechanisms and maintain effective synergy with relevant stakeholders and sister security agencies to ensure efficient border management and national security.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore practical measures for deepening cooperation in intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement activities.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by NCCSALW and the Nigeria Customs Service to work closely towards achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through effective arms control, strengthened border security and sustained inter-agency collaboration.