CGC Adeniyi Strengthens Customs–Traditional Ties with Historic Visit to Emir of Gwandu

CGC Adeniyi Strengthens Customs–Traditional Ties with Historic Visit to Emir of Gwandu

…Charges Kebbi Officers on Discipline, Transit Integrity

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reinforced the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) stakeholder engagement drive with a historic courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Bashar, as part of efforts to strengthen border security, community collaboration, and national development.

The visit, which took place on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Emir’s palace in Kebbi State, highlighted the Service’s recognition of traditional institutions as critical partners in sustaining peace, promoting lawful trade, and supporting security operations in border communities.

The CGC was accompanied by senior Customs officers, including retired Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Mohammed Jibo and retired Assistant Comptroller-General Samba Dangaladima, both of whom currently serve under the Gwandu Emirate.

Speaking during the engagement, CGC Adeniyi described the visit as a strategic component of the NCS stakeholder partnership framework, stressing that effective and sustainable border management cannot rely on enforcement alone. He noted that traditional rulers play a vital role in sensitising border residents, discouraging smuggling, and fostering trust between security agencies and host communities.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to sustained dialogue and collaboration with the Kebbi Emirate Council and border communities in tackling smuggling and other cross-border crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.

In his response, the Emir of Gwandu commended the Comptroller-General and his delegation for the visit and pledged the continued support of the Emirate Council to the NCS and other security agencies operating in the state. The monarch urged residents of border communities to cooperate with authorities by providing timely and credible information to aid efforts against smuggling and related criminal activities.

As part of his official engagements in Kebbi State, CGC Adeniyi also visited the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, where he inspected ongoing ultra-modern infrastructure projects designed to enhance operational efficiency and personnel welfare. He commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre and a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named in honour of retired DCG Bello Mohammed Jibo.

Addressing officers and men of the Command, the CGC charged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, and integrity, describing Kebbi as a strategically critical border Command for both revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that goods move strictly through approved routes and warned against any compromise in the handling of transit cargo.

CGC Adeniyi noted that Kebbi State remains a major corridor exploited by smugglers and economic saboteurs, particularly for the illegal export of petroleum products, a development that necessitated the deployment of special operations in the area. He disclosed that he had conveyed the President’s approval for the reopening of the Tsamiya border, stressing that the decision comes with increased responsibility to prevent the diversion of transit goods.

He further underscored the need for strengthened inter-agency cooperation and cross-border collaboration to combat smuggling, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of organised crime, while assuring officers of improved welfare and continued deployment of technology to boost operational effectiveness.

The visit ended on a symbolic and morale-boosting note as the Comptroller-General joined officers and senior Customs officials in a friendly football match at the newly commissioned pitch, reinforcing camaraderie and team spirit within the Kebbi Area Command.