NCS Pledges Closer Ties with Military to Enhance North-East Security

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 Customs Area Controller in charge of Borno and Yobe States, Controller Abdullahi Mohammed Idris, made this known during a courtesy visit to the OPHK Headquarters on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Controller Idris said the engagement was aimed at reinforcing synergy and consolidating the existing cordial relationship between the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service.
He disclosed that as part of ongoing efforts to enhance border monitoring and management, the NCS has deployed Geo-Spatial Surveillance Technology across Nigeria’s land and sea borders to improve surveillance and rapid response capabilities. He added that the visit was also to seek the guidance and operational support of OPHK as a key security stakeholder in the North-East, particularly in Borno and Yobe States.
Controller Idris acknowledged the vital role played by the Nigerian Army in the establishment of the Nigeria Customs Service Staff College and in supporting capacity-building initiatives for Customs personnel.
He expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, expressing confidence that the engagement would further strengthen collaboration and improve border security operations.
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, thanked the Customs Area Controller and his team for the visit and commended the NCS for its critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He emphasized the need for a multi-agency approach to national security, in line with the Service Chiefs’ Command Philosophy, which prioritizes jointness and synergy among security agencies. According to him, the complex security challenges confronting the country require coordinated efforts, as no single agency can effectively address them alone.
Major General Abubakar noted that porous borders remain a significant security concern, contributing to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons that have adversely affected border communities. He stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service plays a pivotal role in curbing such threats through effective border control measures.
The Theatre Commander also commended NCS personnel deployed within OPHK for their professionalism and valuable 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 the presentation of souvenirs.