By Onu Okorie

 The Nigeria Customs Service NCS has called for enhanced collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, communities, and government stakeholders to address insecurity and strengthen border management across the North-West region.

The call was made during the NCS North-West Security Summit held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi on June 18, 2026. The summit, approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was chaired by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Timi Bomodi.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Umar Abubakar Tafida, who represented Governor Nasir Idris, as well as representatives of the NCS, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the Gwandu Emirate.

Welcoming participants, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, said the summit, themed “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Border Security and Regional Stability,” reflected a shared commitment to enhancing partnerships, improving regional security, and fostering prosperity across the North-West.

He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General for approving the summit and to the Kebbi State Government for hosting the event.

In his remarks, Bomodi said the summit was convened to obtain direct feedback from communities and security stakeholders on strategies for improving security and supporting economic development in the region.

According to him, the ultimate objective is to create a secure environment that would facilitate the reopening of borders for legitimate trade and commercial activities when conditions permit.

Representing the state government, Tafida reaffirmed Kebbi State’s commitment to supporting security agencies in carrying out their responsibilities and commended their efforts in protecting lives and property.

During the deliberations, stakeholders from government institutions, security agencies, traditional councils, business groups, and local communities pledged to work together to strengthen security, revive economic activities, and promote sustainable peace across the state.

Traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted several security concerns affecting their communities, including unemployment, drug abuse, cross-border crimes, threats against informants, and the displacement of some traditional leaders due to insecurity.

Many participants stressed the need for stronger protection of informants and increased public confidence in the justice system to encourage citizens to report criminal activities.

The summit also underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity through non-military measures. Participants advocated expanded youth empowerment programmes, education, skills acquisition initiatives, agricultural support, and broader economic opportunities to reduce the vulnerability of young people to criminal recruitment and violent extremism.

Security agencies at the meeting outlined ongoing efforts to improve operational coordination but acknowledged challenges such as communication gaps, limited resources, and the evolving nature of cross-border criminal networks. They recommended improved intelligence sharing, enhanced operational capacity, regular stakeholder consultations, and stronger coordination frameworks among security institutions.

In his closing remarks, Bomodi urged stakeholders to adopt proactive and practical solutions capable of staying ahead of criminal elements while building resilient communities.

He emphasized that peace, security, and economic development are closely linked and reiterated that sustained collaboration among government agencies, security institutions, traditional authorities, and local communities remains essential to restoring stability and prosperity in Kebbi State. The summit ended with a collective commitment by participants to continue engagement, share information, implement agreed recommendations, and work jointly toward a safer and more prosperous Kebbi State.