Kebbi Customs Command Holds First Parade of 2026, Emphasises Discipline, Professionalism, Officers’ Welfare
The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held its first official parade for the 2026 operational year, bringing together officers and men of the Command for a ceremony focused on discipline, professionalism, renewed commitment to duty and officers’ welfare.
The parade opened with prayers of thanksgiving to God for life, strength and unity, as well as solemn remembrance of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Area Controller, Comptroller Ibrahim MM MNIM, fdc, extended New Year greetings to personnel and their families, while praying for the repose of the souls of fallen colleagues and comfort for their loved ones.
In his address, Comptroller Ibrahim commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, who also serves as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, for what he described as visionary leadership, institutional reforms and sustained commitment to officers’ welfare nationwide. He said the CGC’s focus on professionalism, innovation and discipline continues to drive the Service towards greater efficiency and excellence.
The Area Controller stressed that the parade was not merely ceremonial, but a moment for reflection, recommitment and renewed dedication to the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, which includes securing Nigeria’s borders, protecting the national economy, preventing smuggling and economic sabotage, and facilitating legitimate trade and revenue generation.
He charged officers to uphold the 7Cs of the Nigeria Customs Service — Courtesy without loss of dignity, Clear questions, Careful examination, Clean hands in all respects, Command attention, Control situations and Consult colleagues — describing them as essential guides for conduct at border posts, in the field and within the Command.
Discipline, he said, remains the bedrock of the Service, warning that negligence or betrayal of trust would not be tolerated, while dedication, loyalty and excellence would be recognised and rewarded. He reminded officers that they are ambassadors of the NCS and that their conduct, both on and off duty, directly reflects on the image of the Service.
Given the Command’s strategic location along critical international borders with Niger and Benin Republics, Comptroller Ibrahim noted that Kebbi Area Command plays a frontline role in the fight against smuggling and illegal cross-border trade. He expressed concern over prevailing security challenges along border corridors and urged officers to remain vigilant, proactive and security-conscious at all times.
He emphasised the importance of improved intelligence gathering, strict adherence to operational procedures and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies, host communities and other stakeholders to effectively address security threats in the area.
The Command also reaffirmed its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), highlighting ongoing and planned projects such as the construction of boreholes and the provision of solar-powered street lights in border communities. According to the Comptroller, these initiatives are aimed at fostering goodwill, improving living conditions and enhancing security in the region.
As part of the parade activities, a comprehensive medical screening was conducted for all officers, underscoring the Command’s commitment to personnel welfare. Describing the exercise as a reflection of the belief that “health is wealth,” the Area Controller said the initiative was designed to ensure officers remain physically fit, mentally alert and fully prepared to carry out their duties effectively.
“A healthy force is a strong force,” Comptroller Ibrahim said, noting that officers’ well-being is critical to safeguarding borders, combating smuggling and facilitating trade efficiently.
The Kebbi Area Command reaffirmed its resolve to uphold discipline, integrity, professionalism and the 7Cs of the Service, as it continues to discharge its responsibilities as a frontline defender of Nigeria’s borders and economy under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD.
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