By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command in concerted efforts to boast security at the border, has reinforced strategies to fight smuggling and other cross-border crimes through a grassroots stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at fostering closer collaboration between security agencies and border communities.This was the key discussion during stakeholders’ engagement which was held in Badagry on Thursday, 25 June 2026.The stakeholders engagement brought together heads of sister security agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders, community development representatives, and other key security officers. The gathering presented participants opportunities to discuss and share ideas on strategies for safeguarding the nation’s borderSpeaking during the stakeholders engement , Customs Area Controller, Comptr. Abdullahi Kaila, pointed out that the gathering was a deliberate effort to reinforce the importance of protecting Nigeria’s gateway to the Republic of Benin, which he said remains a vital component of the country’s national security architecture.The Comptr stated that security threats along the border require greater cooperation between enforcement agencies and residents of border communities. According to him; “Security is no longer the exclusive business of men in uniform alone. The complexity of cross-border crimes, from the smuggling of small arms to human trafficking, illicit drugs, and irregular migration, demands a whole-of-society approach,” Ka.Comtr. Abubakar Kaila reiterated the role and essence of trust between security agencies and communities as a critical line of defence against trans-border crimes. In his address the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Honourable Babatunde Hunpe, described the Badagry Kingdom as a strategic national asset that contributes significantly to the Federal Government’s revenue through legitimate cross-border trade and economic activities.The Chairman called onresidents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information.He expressed appreciation at the efforts of community leaders in maintaining security. “When you see something say something. I want to appreciate the Community Development Council for what they have been doing. They have played a significant role in intelligence and we are always alert as people for any security infraction,” he said.
