Kebbi Central to Nigeria’s Border Security, Says Customs Chief -

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has described Kebbi State as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s border security framework, citing its strategic location and extensive international boundaries with neighbouring countries.

Adeniyi made this known during a courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, in Birnin Kebbi, where he stressed that activities along Kebbi’s borders have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.

Daily Star Nigeria gathered that Kebbi State shares long and porous borders with Niger and Benin Republic, making it a major transit route for cross-border trade as well as a hotspot for smuggling and other trans-border crimes.

The Customs chief noted that the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its operations in the state to combat arms trafficking, drug smuggling and illegal trade, while facilitating legitimate commercial activities.

Daily Star Nigeria further gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reopening of regulated transit trade corridors through Kebbi State as part of efforts to boost economic activities and improve trade flow across borders.

Adeniyi explained that the reopened corridors would operate under strict security and operational guidelines to prevent criminal exploitation, adding that over 1,700 trucks are currently awaiting clearance at the border.

He also raised concerns over persistent security challenges in border communities, including banditry and the proliferation of small arms, calling for stronger inter-agency collaboration and sustained support from the Kebbi State Government.

In his response, Governor Nasir Idris reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies to strengthen border security and promote lawful trade.

The governor assured that Kebbi State would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure peace, safety and economic growth across its border communities.