Stakeholders at the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS North-West Security Summit have called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable socio-economic interventions to address insecurity and restore stability across the region.
The summit, held in Birnin Kebbi on June 18, was approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and brought together representatives of security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, government officials, and business groups under the theme, “Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Border Security and Regional Stability.”
Speaking at the event, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Timi Bomodi, said the summit was designed to obtain direct feedback from communities and security stakeholders on ways to improve security and stimulate economic development in the region.
According to him, creating a safer environment would ultimately support the reopening of borders for legitimate trade and commerce when conditions permit.
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, welcomed participants and stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing regional security challenges and promoting prosperity.
Representing the Kebbi State Governor, Deputy Governor Umar Abubakar Tafida reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies and commended their efforts in protecting lives and property.
During the discussions, traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted challenges including unemployment, drug abuse, cross-border crimes, threats against informants, and the displacement of some traditional leaders due to insecurity. They also advocated stronger protection for informants and improved confidence in the justice system to encourage intelligence sharing.
Participants agreed that military and law enforcement operations alone would not solve the region’s security problems, emphasizing the need for youth empowerment, education, skills acquisition, agricultural support, and job creation to reduce vulnerability to criminal recruitment.
Security agencies at the summit acknowledged challenges such as communication gaps, limited resources, and the complexities of cross-border criminal activities, while recommending improved intelligence sharing, enhanced operational capacity, and regular stakeholder engagements.
In his closing remarks, DCG Bomodi urged stakeholders to embrace practical and proactive solutions, stressing that peace, security, and economic development are closely linked.
