NCCSALW, Customs collaborate to fight illicit arms proliferation

By Onu Okorie

National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons NCCSALW has pledged to deepen its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the ongoing fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria.

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

Kokumo commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained efforts to secure the nation’s borders and prevent the illegal movement of arms, ammunition and other prohibited items.

He described the Customs Service as a critical component of Nigeria’s security architecture and a dependable partner in the fight against transnational crimes.

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

According to him, effective collaboration among security agencies is essential to protecting lives and property, safeguarding national assets and maintaining peace and stability across the country.

Kokumo also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD, for his support for inter-agency collaboration in combating small arms and light weapons proliferation.

He praised the Customs leadership for promoting greater synergy among security and law enforcement agencies, noting that the Service had continued to demonstrate professionalism, dedication and strategic cooperation in advancing national security objectives.

The NCCSALW boss assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Centre’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service through sustained collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing the trafficking of arms and ammunition across Nigeria’s borders.

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

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

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