Customs, Police Forge Stronger Alliance To Tackle Security Threats In Delta

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the Nigeria Police Force have pledged to deepen inter-agency collaboration to tackle security challenges and create a safer environment for legitimate trade and business in Delta State.

The commitment was made on Friday when the Edo/Delta Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Dominic Ortsen, led his management team on a courtesy visit to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, at the Police Headquarters in Asaba.

Comptroller Ortsen said the visit was aimed at consolidating the existing cordial relationship between the two agencies and exploring new areas of cooperation to enhance operational efficiency.

He noted that although both agencies have distinct statutory mandates, their responsibilities often intersect, particularly in combating security threats that affect trade, economic activities and public safety.

"Effective collaboration, intelligence sharing and regular stakeholder engagement are essential to identifying emerging threats, resolving operational challenges and creating an enabling environment for legitimate business," Ortsen said.

According to him, the core mandate of the Customs Service - trade facilitation, revenue protection and national security - can only be fully achieved through sustained partnership with sister security agencies.

Ortsen assured the Police Command of the Customs' readiness to maintain open communication channels, address operational concerns and strengthen the relationship through constructive engagement.

In his response, CP Erale welcomed the initiative and assured the Customs Command of the Police's full support in securing the state and facilitating efficient Customs operations.

He stressed that both agencies share a common national objective and must therefore confront security challenges with professionalism, mutual respect and collective responsibility.

The Police Commissioner urged officers and men of both services to maintain effective communication and channel operational issues through appropriate command structures to avoid unnecessary friction.

He also underscored the need for joint planning and coordinated security deployment during elections and other major public events, describing election security as a collective responsibility.

Erale further called for sustained inter-agency engagement and the appointment of competent liaison officers to ensure prompt intelligence sharing, joint planning and swift resolution of issues.