By Onyekachukwu Utebor, Warri
The Nigerian Army has assured the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Edo/Delta Area Command, of its readiness to provide operational support to strengthen the fight against smuggling and other security threats in Delta State.
The assurance was given by the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari, during a meeting with the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Dominic Ortsen, in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday October 28, 2026.
Buhari, who also serves as Sector Commander of Operation Delta Safe, gave the assurance when Ortsen led a delegation of Customs officers on a courtesy visit to the brigade headquarters to explore areas of mutual cooperation and strengthen operational relations between the two agencies.
He said effective collaboration among security institutions was essential to addressing security challenges, stressing that direct communication and professional relationships between officers would enhance coordination and improve responses to situations requiring joint intervention.
The brigade commander encouraged the Customs Service to take advantage of the Nigerian Army’s operational presence and manpower in addressing security challenges within its area of responsibility.
He assured the delegation that the Army was prepared to provide the necessary assistance whenever the need arose, particularly in circumstances requiring coordinated action by both agencies.
Buhari emphasised that the two institutions shared a common responsibility to the nation and government, noting that protecting national security and safeguarding lives and property required sustained cooperation among relevant agencies.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would strengthen professional relationships between Customs and Army personnel, improve communication and establish a stronger foundation for addressing shared security concerns.
The commander also urged officers of both organisations to maintain regular contact, exchange relevant operational information where appropriate and develop the confidence necessary to seek assistance from one another when faced with security challenges.
Earlier, Ortsen said the visit was part of efforts by the Edo/Delta Area Command to consolidate its relationship with the Nigerian Army and strengthen cooperation in tackling smuggling, cross-border crimes and other emerging security threats.
He expressed appreciation to Buhari and other senior officers for receiving the Customs delegation, describing the engagement as an important step towards deepening the existing partnership between the two institutions.
The Acting Customs Area Controller noted that the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Army had critical roles to play in safeguarding national security, protecting the nation’s borders and promoting economic stability.
He said effective information sharing, mutual understanding and sustained inter-agency engagement were necessary to enable both organisations to discharge their statutory responsibilities more efficiently.
According to him, closer cooperation would enhance efforts to combat smuggling, address cross-border criminal activities and improve the capacity of the agencies to respond to security threats within their respective areas of responsibility.
Ortsen explained that the visit was more than a formal courtesy call, describing it as a deliberate effort to strengthen institutional ties and improve operational synergy in the collective interest of peace, security and national development.
He added that a stronger working relationship between the Customs Service and the Nigerian Army would support the protection of legitimate economic activities and contribute to a more secure environment for businesses and residents across Delta State.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for both agencies to reaffirm their commitment to intelligence sharing, coordinated security responses and sustained cooperation in addressing threats to public safety.
The two institutions acknowledged the importance of maintaining regular communication and building stronger professional relationships to facilitate timely responses to security challenges and improve the effectiveness of their respective operations.
The Edo/Delta Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian Army and other relevant security agencies to strengthen national security, facilitate legitimate trade and promote economic prosperity.
The command said its continued collaboration with sister security agencies remained central to the effective discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
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