By Femi Anamelechi
In a strategic bid aimed at enhancing key stakeholders engagement, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ondo/Ekiti Area Command, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Patience Ita, has intensified efforts to strengthen security collaboration and intelligence sharing by embarking on courtesy visits to traditional rulers and heads of security agencies across Ondo and Ekiti States.This was discussed in a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Nzubechi Iheagwaram, on 29 June 2026, the visits were aimed at deepening inter-agency cooperation, improving intelligence gathering, and strengthening responses to security challenges within the Command’s area of responsibility.The outreach began on Monday, 8 June 2026, with visits to the Controller of Corrections of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), CC Charles Oyewole, and the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Ibiloye, where discussions focused on improved collaboration and coordinated security operations.The engagements continued on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, with a courtesy visit to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, at the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Owena Cantonment, to further strengthen operational synergy among security formations.
DC Ita also visited the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, where she solicited continued royal support in promoting peace and curbing smuggling and other economic crimes.She later met with the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Michael Adegoroye Falade, to enhance joint operational strategies and improve security coordination across the state.Speaking during the visits, DC Ita said: “Security is a collective responsibility. No single agency can do it alone. When we work together, share timely intelligence, and support one another, we can effectively tackle smuggling, protect our borders, and ensure the safety of our people.”In their separate responses, CC Charles Oyewole, Samuel A. Ibiloye, Brig. Gen. Justin A. Ifeanyi, and CP Michael Adegoroye Falade all welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to stronger collaboration with the NCS, noting that sustained synergy among security agencies remains key to safeguarding lives, property, and the nation’s economy.
