In a renewed push to bolster cross-border security and trade cooperation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has strengthened its partnership with the Benin Republic Customs Service along the Tsamiya/Sebgana border corridor.
The strategic meeting, held on Wednesday at Sebgana, Benin Republic, brought together top officials from both nations, led by Comptroller Mahmoud Ibrahim, Area Controller of NCS Kebbi Command, and Comptroller Arouna Dramane, Head of the Wara Border Command, Republic of Benin.
The Nigerian delegation also included Major Shola Moses, Commanding Officer of 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, reflecting a united front between the military and customs in securing the nation’s borders.
In a statement released on Thursday by Mustapha Mubarak, spokesperson of the Kebbi Command, Comptroller Ibrahim stressed the importance of joint intelligence sharing and coordinated patrols to curb smuggling, illegal migration, and other trans-border crimes.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Our visit is to strengthen cooperation, promote intelligence sharing, and build stronger operational synergy for the safety of our officers, government assets, and border communities,” Ibrahim said.
He added that the Customs Service remains committed to ensuring that legitimate trade thrives in a safe, peaceful, and well-regulated border environment.
Comptroller Dramane of the Benin Republic described the visit as a “positive step” toward deepening friendship and improving operational efficiency between the two nations.
“This visit is indeed a positive step towards consolidating the friendship between our two services. We are committed to sustaining this collaboration for improved border security and economic cooperation,” Dramane said.
The meeting ended with a facility tour, goodwill messages, and a reaffirmation of commitment by both sides to maintain peace, security, and smooth trade operations along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor.
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