Insecurity: NCS North-West Summit Calls for Stronger Collaboration, Community Engagement

Stakeholders at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) North-West Security Summit have advocated stronger inter-agency collaboration, deeper community engagement and the adoption of sustainable, non-kinetic approaches to addressing insecurity in the region.

This position formed center of discussion at the summit held on Thursday, 18 June 2026, at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, where participants stressed that lasting peace and economic development require collective action involving security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities.

Approved by Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi and chaired by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Timi Bomodi, the summit brought together representatives of the Nigerian Army, Police Force, other security agencies, the Gwandu Emirate, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Kebbi State Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida represented Governor Nasir Idris at the event.

Welcoming participants to the gathering themed, “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Border Security and Regional Stability,” Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, described the summit as a reflection of the shared commitment of stakeholders to enhancing regional security and promoting prosperity across the North-West.

He also commended participants for their presence and support, noting that their attendance underscored a collective resolve to strengthen partnerships and foster a safer and more prosperous region.

In his remarks, DCG Bomodi said the gathering was convened to obtain direct feedback from communities and security stakeholders on ways to improve security and support economic development.

He noted that creating a secure environment would facilitate the reopening of borders for legitimate trade and commerce when conditions permit.

Also, the Deputy Governor Tafida reaffirmed the Kebbi State Government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and commended their efforts in safeguarding lives and property.

Participants drawn from government institutions, security agencies, traditional institutions, business groups and local communities renewed their commitment to promoting sustainable peace, restoring economic activities and strengthening security through enhanced cooperation.

Additionally, traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted challenges confronting their communities, including unemployment, drug abuse, cross-border crimes, threats to informants and the displacement of some traditional leaders due to insecurity.

They advocated stronger protection for informants and greater confidence in the justice system to encourage the reporting of criminal activities.

DCG Bomodi, in his closing remarks, urged Stakeholders to embrace proactive measures capable of outpacing criminal elements and strengthening community resilience.

He emphasised that peace, security and economic development are interconnected and said sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions and communities remains essential to restoring stability and prosperity in Kebbi State and the wider North-West region.

The summit ended with participants committing to sustained engagement, information sharing and the implementation of agreed recommendations aimed at restoring stability and prosperity across Kebbi State and the North-West region.