On Wednesday 16 July, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), restated their commitment to inter-Agency collaboration.
The move is to strengthen efforts in the fight against smuggling and irregular migration through the inland waterways of Nigeria.
According to the Customs Area Controller of the North Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Mohammed Mohammed, the heightening threats along the river corridors require “proactive and coordinated responses” from all security agencies.
According to Nigeria Customs via X: “In a renewed effort to combat smuggling and irregular migration through Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on 16 July, 2025 reaffirmed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration. This follows a strategic courtesy visit by the Customs Area Controller of the North Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Mohammed Mohammed, to the Benue State Command of the NIS in Makurdi.
“The visit, held at the NIS Command headquarters, featured a high-level meeting between Comptroller Mohammed of NCS, his counterpart, Comptroller Andrew Wanogho of Nigerian Immigration Service and senior officers of immigration service. Discussions centred on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and the urgent need to curb the activities of smugglers and irregular migrants who exploit the Benue River as a conduit for criminal activities.
“According to Comptroller Mohammed, the increasing threats along the river corridors demand proactive and coordinated responses from all security agencies. “It is imperative that we break silos and work together in the spirit of national interest. Intelligence sharing and sustained surveillance along our waterways will enhance our operational effectiveness and border security,” he said.
“He emphasised the importance of trust, consistent communication, and joint patrols to disrupt illicit trade routes and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity, particularly in the face of emerging trans-border threats.
“The Benue River, which runs through several states and connects to key border regions, has increasingly become a target for smuggling networks and unregulated migration. Both agencies agreed on the need for a joint task force to monitor high-risk areas and build a comprehensive operational framework that integrates manpower, technology, and local intelligence.
“In his remarks, the Comptroller of Immigration Benue Command, Andrew Wanogho commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive engagement and assured continued support from the NIS to foster border stability and national security.
“The visit highlights the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader efforts to deepen collaboration with sister agencies under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, whose administration has prioritised synergy, reform, and innovation in border management.
“With the North Eastern Marine Command playing a crucial role in monitoring riverine routes, Comptroller Mohammed’s engagement is expected to bolster surveillance and interdiction efforts across the North Central corridor.”
