Customs Deepens Security Partnerships to Combat Smuggling and Protect Revenue

The Nigeria Customs Service’s Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command has stepped up cooperation with security agencies and private-sector operators to combat smuggling and protect government revenue. On October 14, 2026, Acting Customs Area Controller Deputy Comptroller Dr Nkiru Nwala led delegations to the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade, the Eastern Naval Command, the NSCDC, the FRSC and Shoreline Logistics Nigeria Limited. Discussions covered intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, maritime and border security, protection of critical assets and customs compliance. Nwala said the command’s mix of land borders, coastal communities and maritime routes makes sustained cooperation essential to counter illicit activity and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.