By Abdulafeez Musa
In a renewed effort to enhance border management and strengthen regional cooperation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, has deepened its bilateral relationship with the Benin Republic Customs Service along the Tsamiya–Sebgana border corridor.
The strategic engagement took place on Wednesday when a Nigerian delegation led by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mahmoud Ibrahim, and the Commanding Officer of 1 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Major Shola Moses, paid a working visit to their Beninese counterparts at Sebgana.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Comptroller Arouna Dramane, Head of the Wara Border Command, Republic of Benin, alongside officers of the Beninese Customs, Kebbi Command personnel, and other key border stakeholders.
A statement made available to journalists on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, Mustapha Mubarak, quoted Comptroller Ibrahim as emphasising the importance of collaboration between security agencies of both nations in combating trans-border crimes and safeguarding their shared frontier.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Our visit is to strengthen cooperation, promote intelligence sharing, and build stronger operational synergy for the safety of our officers, government assets, and border communities,” he stated.
He further noted that the NCS remains committed to fostering peaceful coexistence and ensuring that legitimate trade between both countries thrives within a secure and well-coordinated environment.
In his response, Comptroller Dramane commended the Kebbi Area Command for the initiative, describing it as a welcome development that would enhance mutual understanding and operational efficiency.
“This visit is indeed a positive step towards consolidating the friendship between our two services. We are committed to sustaining this collaboration for improved border security and economic cooperation,” Dramane said.
The Beninese Customs boss later conducted the visiting delegation around their facilities as part of a familiarisation tour.
The visit concluded with an exchange of goodwill messages and a reaffirmation of commitment by both countries to maintain peace, security, and sustained cooperation along the Nigeria–Benin border corridor.
Recall that in March 2024, the NCS reopened the international border in Kamba town, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State, for the resumption of cross-border trade to promote international trade between Nigeria and the neighbouring Niger and Benin Republics.
The Federal Government had earlier announced the reopening of the nation’s borders with the Benin Republic after a seven-month closure following the lifting of sanctions imposed on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the military takeover in that country.
