Customs, Police Strengthen Security at Idiroko Border, Reduce Checkpoints to Boost Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, and the Ogun State Police Command have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening border security, facilitating legitimate trade, and combating transnational crime following a strategic working visit by the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, to the Customs Area Controller at Idiroko.
The high-level engagement underscored the growing collaboration between security agencies aimed at safeguarding one of Nigeria’s busiest international border corridors while improving the ease of doing business.
CP Commends Peace, Security at Idiroko Border
During the visit, CP Ojajuni praised the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, for his leadership in maintaining security and ensuring smooth trade operations along the Idiroko border.
The Police Commissioner disclosed that since assuming office, the Ogun State Police Command had not received any major crime complaints from the Idiroko axis, describing the development as evidence of the effective partnership among security agencies operating in the area.
He noted that despite the strategic importance and heavy commercial activities at the border, Idiroko has remained relatively peaceful because of the strong coordination between Customs, the Police, and other security organisations.
Ojajuni also commended the professionalism displayed by Customs officers and the orderly security arrangements at the Idiroko-Igolo border, describing them as a reflection of effective leadership, mutual trust, and operational discipline.
He further applauded the reduction of unnecessary security checkpoints along the corridor, noting that the initiative has enhanced legitimate trade while preserving national security.
Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Security, Trade Facilitation
Responding, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Afeni, appreciated the Police Commissioner for the visit and acknowledged the support of all security agencies in maintaining a cordial and productive working relationship.
Afeni stressed that beyond revenue generation, the Nigeria Customs Service plays a vital role in border security, trade facilitation, economic development, and the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Police and other security agencies to tackle cross-border crimes while promoting lawful commercial activities.
Joint Operations Strengthen Border Protection
Highlighting recent achievements, Afeni revealed that the Command recently participated in a joint “Show of Force” security exercise involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the readiness of both countries to work together in preventing smuggling, transnational crimes, and other security threats along the international border.
Checkpoints Reduced to Ease Trade
The Customs boss disclosed that upon assuming office, he inherited numerous security checkpoints that slowed the movement of people and goods.
He explained that through the Joint Border Security Committee and sustained dialogue with sister security agencies, several of the checkpoints have been removed, significantly reducing delays and improving operational efficiency.
Afeni noted that the reforms have eased the movement of legitimate traders, strengthened security coordination, and supported the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business agenda.
He added that the Nigeria Customs Service was recently rated 100 per cent compliant with Ease of Doing Business metrics, describing the recognition as a reflection of the Service’s ongoing modernization and trade facilitation reforms.
Agencies Renew Partnership
The visit concluded with the exchange of commemorative plaques between the Police Commissioner and the Acting Customs Area Controller, symbolising their shared commitment to sustaining inter-agency cooperation.
Both leaders pledged to continue working together to secure Nigeria’s borders, combat cross-border crime, promote legitimate trade, and create a safer environment for businesses and residents in the border communities.
Why It Matters
Idiroko is one of Nigeria’s most strategic international border crossings, linking the country with the Republic of Benin and serving as a major gateway for regional trade. Strong cooperation between Customs and the Police is critical to balancing effective security with efficient trade, reducing smuggling, and supporting economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
What’s Next?
The renewed partnership is expected to lead to more joint border patrols, intelligence-sharing, coordinated security operations, and continued efforts to remove operational bottlenecks while safeguarding Nigeria’s borders against criminal activities.