Customs, Stakeholders Forge Better Rapport Against Smuggling in Ondo/Ekiti

The Acting Customs Area Controller (Ag. CAC) of the Ondo/Ekiti Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Patience Ita, has intensified efforts to strengthen security collaboration in the state through strategic engagements with traditional authorities and sister security agencies.

According to a press release issued by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Nzubechi Iheagwaram on 5 June 2026, DC Ita paid a courtesy visit to the Deji of Akure and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, as part of moves to formally introduce herself to the host community and seek royal support for her administration.

According to the statement, the visit formed part of a broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at fostering cooperation and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the NCS within the Ondo/Ekiti axis.

The Ag. CAC also meet with the Comptroller of Immigration, Ondo State Command, Ephraim Ogbemudia, and the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nanzing Sallah, to discuss measures for enhanced inter-agency cooperation.

The discussions focused on improving intelligence sharing and building a coordinated response to smuggling, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking and other transborder crimes affecting the region.

Speaking during the engagements, DC Ita stressed that effective border security and economic protection require strong partnerships among security agencies and host communities.

“Securing our borders and ensuring economic stability requires a seamless, collective effort. We cannot do it alone. Building a solid bridge between the NCS, our host communities, and our sister agencies is paramount to our success,” she said.

She Commended Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi’s collaborative efforts with other security agencies in combating smuggling.

In their separate remarks, the Immigration Comptroller and NDLEA Commander welcomed the initiative and commended the Ag. CAC for prioritising collaboration at the onset of her tenure.

They reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between their agencies and the NCS, pledging sustained operational support and closer cooperation in tackling security challenges across Ondo State and its environs.