The Nigeria Customs Service and the Department of State Services have announced plans to strengthen their joint security operations to curb cross-border crimes, with a particular focus on smugglers and other illicit activities.
This development follows a strategic meeting held on March 6, 2025, between the Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Joseph Adelaja, and the DSS State Director, Mr. Rasheed Adelakun, at the DSS headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In an official statement released by the NCS via its X handle on Monday, Adelaja highlighted the growing sophistication of smuggling networks and the necessity for enhanced intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation.
“Smugglers are evolving in their operations, and to effectively tackle them, we must also advance our strategies. Intelligence sharing and coordinated operations are critical to our success,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s commitment to working closely with the DSS through joint operations, capacity-building initiatives, and real-time information exchange to address security threats effectively.
Adelakun commended the proactive stance of the Customs leadership and assured them of the DSS’s dedication to fostering a stronger partnership.
“The DSS remains committed to working with the Nigeria Customs Service to protect our borders and safeguard the nation’s economy. Our agencies must stand united against trans-border crimes,” Adelakun said.
Both agencies have pledged to intensify their collaboration through improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms, coordinated enforcement strategies, and continuous training of personnel to ensure a swift response to emerging security challenges.
