Odita Sunday 
NCCSALW, Customs Deepen Collaboration to Curb Illicit Arms Trafficking
By Odita Sunday
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) and the Nigeria Customs Service have pledged to strengthen intelligence sharing, joint operations and border security efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition in Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, when the Director General of the NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Rtd.) Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, mni, PhD, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
Kokumo commended the Nigeria Customs Service for what he described as its “unwavering commitment” to combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.
He said the Customs Service occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly through its role in securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition and other prohibited items.
According to him, enhanced cooperation among security agencies has become critical to confronting the threats posed by the illicit circulation of weapons.
The NCCSALW boss stressed the need for increased intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations, noting that effective inter-agency collaboration was indispensable to protecting lives and property, safeguarding national assets and maintaining peace and stability.
Kokumo also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, mnipr, PhD, for his support for inter-agency cooperation, saying the Nigeria Customs Service had continued to demonstrate professionalism and strategic partnership in advancing national security objectives.
He assured the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Centre’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Customs through intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and other joint initiatives aimed at preventing arms trafficking across Nigeria’s borders.
Responding, Comptroller Umar appreciated the NCCSALW delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to work with the Centre in strengthening national security.
He said the Command would continue to enforce government policies, protect the nation’s borders and support lawful initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.
Umar further said the Niger/Kogi Area Command would strengthen its operational strategies and intelligence-gathering mechanisms while maintaining effective synergy with sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for both organisations to identify areas for deeper cooperation, particularly in intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement operations.
The two agencies subsequently renewed their commitment to closer collaboration in the fight against illicit arms trafficking, with a focus on stronger border controls and sustained inter-agency efforts towards a safer Nigeria.
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