Customs enlists EFCC, Police to fight crime, smuggling in S’South

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has deepened collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) against smuggling, economic sabotage of oil and gas projects and financial crime in the South-South region of the country.

The Acting Area Controller of the Command, Nkiru Nwala, commenced engagements with security agencies and key investors in Akwa Ibom State.

Nwala said the statutory duties of the agencies depend largely on intelligence sharing, operational coordination and mutual institutional support.

She listed smuggling, economic sabotage and the safeguarding of critical national infrastructure as priority areas, highlighting the Liberty Oil and Gas project in Ikot Abasi.

Nwala said Akwa Ibom’s coastal location and commercial activity bring opportunities as well as security responsibilities.

Nwala stressed that increasingly complex economic crimes call for intelligence-driven operations, timely information sharing and close cooperation among law enforcement bodies.

She named financial crimes, smuggling and illicit financial flows as areas of concern.

She called for stronger communication channels so that actionable intelligence is exchanged on time and emerging threats get a quick response.

At a familiarisation visit to the Liberty Oil and Gas project, Nwala observed ongoing construction and the progress of the investment.

She described the project as massive and well positioned for future growth, noting its potential for the oil and gas sector and the wider economy.

The Controller said the engagements reflect the Service’s commitment to professionalism, strong institutional partnerships and the facilitation of legitimate trade.

She added that the Service remains firm against activities that undermine national security and economic interests.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, highlighted areas of security concern in the state that need more attention from both agencies.

He also affirmed the Command’s readiness to sustain collaboration on intelligence sharing, joint security interventions and the protection of lives and property.

Also, the Uyo Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I), Oshodi Johnson, urged Customs officers to be more careful on social media.

He warned that fraudsters increasingly use online platforms to impersonate officers of the Service, using their names, photographs, ranks or official designations to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

Johnson said officers’ digital conduct affects both their personal security and the institutional credibility of the Service.