…Charges Kebbi Command Officers on Discipline, Transit Integrity
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, 7 February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, His Royal Highness Muhammadu Bashar, as part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions in enhancing border security, community engagement, and national development.
The visit, held at the Emir’s palace in Kebbi State, highlighted the Service’s recognition of the pivotal role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, promoting lawful trade, and supporting security agencies in border communities. The CGC was accompanied by senior officers of the Service, 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 strategic to Customs’ stakeholder partnership framework, stressing that sustainable border management requires collaboration beyond enforcement institutions. He noted that traditional authorities remain indispensable allies in sensitising border residents, discouraging smuggling, and building trust between security agencies and local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NCS to sustained dialogue and cooperation with the Gwandu Emirate Council and border communities to curb smuggling and other cross-border crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.
In his response, the Muhammadu Bashar commended the CGC and his entourage 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 intelligence to combat smuggling and related criminal activities.
As part of his official engagements in the state, the Comptroller-General also visited the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, where he inspected ongoing ultra-modern projects aimed at boosting operational capacity and personnel welfare. He commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre and a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named after retired DCG Bello Mohammed Jibo.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, CGC Adeniyi charged them to remain disciplined, professional, and committed to duty, describing Kebbi State as a strategically significant border Command for both revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. He emphasised strict adherence to approved corridors for the movement of goods and warned against any compromise in the handling of transit cargo.
The CGC noted that Kebbi remains a critical route exploited by smugglers and economic saboteurs—particularly for the illegal export of petroleum products—necessitating special operations in the area. He disclosed that he had conveyed the President’s approval for the reopening of the Tsamiya border, adding that the development comes with increased responsibility to prevent diversion of transit goods.
He further underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation and cross-border collaboration in tackling smuggling, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of organised crime, while assuring personnel of improved welfare and the continued deployment of technology to enhance operational efficiency.
The visit concluded on a symbolic note as the Comptroller-General joined officers and senior Customs officials in a friendly football match at the newly commissioned five-aside pitch, reinforcing esprit de corps and boosting morale within the Command.
