The Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Abdullahi Kaila, has commenced his tenure with a familiarisation tour of sister security agencies along the Lagos–Abidjan business corridor.

The Public Relations Officer of the command, Tunde Ayagbalo, announced this in a statement on Tuesday obtained by The PUNCH.

Speaking at the 243 Recce Battalion Ibereko Barracks in Badagry, the CAC explained that the aim of his visit was to familiarise himself and seek cooperation in executing his statutory responsibility as a Customs Area Controller.

“Seme Border is known to be a critical gateway for trade and services between Nigeria and other countries. If you look at the volume of trade taking place here, the movement of people and cross-border activities, one can easily say Seme is a sensitive and critical strategic economic corridor, and that is why we need continuous collaboration, intelligence sharing and mutual support,” he said.

Kaila stated that synergy between sister security agencies will ensure economic stability and general well-being of the people, particularly those residing in border communities.

In his remarks, the Commanding Officer of the 243 Recce Battalion, Lt Col Ambrose Ikoro, praised the vital role the service plays in safeguarding border security.

“I know the synergy and cooperation that exist between the Nigerian Army and NCS. We have also pledged to maintain and improve upon what we have built. Supporting the Customs is necessary, and our Chief of Army Staff has said we as a unit operating in the border area are to support every relevant security agency, which, of course, Customs falls among,” the colonel said.

Comptroller Kaila also visited the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry; the 15 Field Engineer Regiment of the Nigerian Army, Topo, Badagry; and the NAFDAC Office at Seme, signifying commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration and eradicating trade barriers.

Kaila’s appointment as CAC of Seme follows the redeployment of former controller Wale Adenuga to Abuja.