Kebbi Border Security: Customs Boss, Adeniyi Seeks Emir’s Support in Curbing Illicit Activities

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, 7 February 2026, paid courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu’s palace, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Bashar, seeking support in enhancing security at the Kebbi border.

CGC Adeniyi emphasised the importance of collaboration between security agencies and traditional leaders in curbing illicit activities and boosting trade within the region, while engaging the traditional leaders.

According to the CGC, traditional authorities remain indispensable allies in sensitising border residents, discouraging smuggling, and fostering trust between security agencies and local communities.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Service to sustain dialogue and collaboration with the Kebbi Emirate Council and border communities in curbing smuggling and other cross-border crimes that undermine national security and economic stability.

In his response, the Emir of Gwandu commended the CGC and his entourage for the visit and pledged the continued support of the Emirate Council to the NCS and other security agencies operating within the state.

He urged residents of border communities to cooperate with authorities by providing timely information to help tackle smuggling and related criminal activities.

The visit forms part of the ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions in strengthening border security, community engagement, and national development.

It also underscored the Service’s recognition of the critical role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, promoting lawful trade, and supporting security agencies in border communities.

The CGC was accompanied by senior officers of the Service, including retired Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Mohammed Jibo and retired Assistant Comptroller-General Samba Dangaladima, both of whom currently serve under the Gwandu Emirate.

In a related development, the CGC commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre and a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named after retired DCG Bello Mohammed Jibo at the Kebbi Area Command of the NCS, while on inspection tour to the command.

He also stressed the importance of discipline and transit integrity, charging officers of the command to remain professional and committed to their responsibilities.

“Kebbi is a strategically significant border Command for both revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations and there is need to ensure that goods move strictly through approved corridors,” he emphasised, warning against any compromise in the handling of transit cargo.

“Kebbi State remains a critical route used by smugglers and economic saboteurs, particularly for the illegal export of petroleum products, which required the deployment of special operations in the area”.

The CGC further stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation and cross-border collaboration in addressing smuggling, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of organised crime, assuring the officers of improved welfare and continued deployment of technology to enhance operational efficiency.