Customs, Army Strengthen Security Collaboration in North East

Maiduguri, Borno State – February 12, 2026

The (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to inter-agency collaboration with the military to enhance security operations across the North East region.

This renewed pledge followed a courtesy visit by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Borno/Yobe Area Command, Comptroller Abubakar Idris, and his delegation to the Theatre Commander, North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar. The meeting took place at in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Abubakar Ubali, the visit was aimed at consolidating existing ties between the two institutions and exploring innovative strategies to address insecurity in the region. Central to discussions was the deployment of geospatial technology to combat cross-border crimes, strengthen intelligence gathering, and disrupt transnational criminal networks operating within and around the North East.

Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Idris commended the Armed Forces for their resilience and patriotism in the ongoing fight against insurgency. He stressed that sustainable peace and security in the region can only be achieved through coordinated and sustained collaboration among security agencies.
“We recognise the immense sacrifices of the military in safeguarding lives and property in the North East. The NCS remains committed to supporting ongoing operations through enhanced intelligence sharing, strict border control measures and collaborative strategies to curb smuggling and other transnational crimes,” he said.
The CAC further noted that effective inter-agency cooperation would not only improve security outcomes but also foster legitimate trade and stimulate economic growth in Borno and Yobe States. He emphasized that curbing smuggling and illicit trade would strengthen national revenue and contribute to broader development goals.

In his response, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar described security as a shared responsibility that requires continuous synergy among institutions. He underscored the importance of intelligence exchange and coordinated field operations in tackling insurgency and criminal activities in the region.

“Security is not the responsibility of a single agency. It requires synergy, intelligence exchange and coordinated operations. We are ready to continue working closely with the NCS, given its critical role in border management and national security,” he stated.

The Theatre Commander also highlighted the strategic value of geospatial technology in enhancing operational effectiveness, mapping threat patterns, and preventing potential attacks. He expressed optimism that strengthened collaboration between the military and the NCS would further consolidate gains recorded under Operation Hadin Kai and contribute to lasting peace in the North East.