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By: Abdullahi Inuwa
MAIDUGURI — In a renewed push to strengthen security operations across the North-East, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
Brigadier General Diwa made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller of the Borno/Yobe Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Mohammed Idris, in Maiduguri on Thursday.
The visit, according to military authorities, was aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation and reinforcing the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), which emphasizes professionalism, adaptability, combat readiness, and collaboration in addressing contemporary security threats.
Speaking during the engagement, the GOC described the Nigeria Customs Service as a strategic partner in national security, particularly in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.
He commended the Service for its contributions in border security management, intelligence sharing, and support for joint security operations, noting that Customs personnel have played a vital role in disrupting the supply chains and logistical networks used by insurgents and other criminal elements.
Diwa specifically highlighted the impact of Customs’ specialized strike forces and zonal operations, including Zone D operations in the North-East, which have helped curb the smuggling of contraband goods and petroleum products often exploited by terrorists and bandits to finance and sustain their activities.
According to him, the successes recorded through these operations have not only strengthened security but also created a more conducive environment for economic and social activities to flourish across the region.
“The evolving security landscape demands greater cooperation among security agencies. We must continue to deepen our partnership to effectively confront emerging threats and consolidate the gains made in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations,” the GOC stated.
Responding, Comptroller Abdullahi Mohammed Idris congratulated Brigadier General Diwa on his appointment as GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, expressing confidence in his leadership.
The Customs Area Controller praised the Nigerian Army for its sustained sacrifices and successes in the battle against insurgency, describing the military as a critical pillar in the restoration of peace and stability in the North-East.
He stressed that effective security management requires collective action, noting that no single agency can independently address the complex security challenges confronting the nation.
Idris also acknowledged the Army’s support in building the operational capacity of Customs personnel through training initiatives and joint security engagements.
“The synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service remains a model of inter-agency cooperation. We are committed to sustaining and strengthening this partnership in the interest of national security,” he said.
The visit concluded with an interactive session, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs, symbolising the growing partnership between the two security institutions.
Security observers say the renewed commitment by both agencies is expected to further bolster ongoing efforts to deny terrorists and criminal networks access to resources, logistics, and operational freedom within the North-East.
The development comes as security agencies continue to intensify coordinated operations aimed at sustaining peace, stability, and economic recovery across Borno State and the wider North-East region.
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