The Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, has intensified efforts to strengthen inter-agency cooperation aimed at combating illicit trade, drug trafficking, and other transnational crimes within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
As part of the initiative, Comptroller Atuluku paid strategic visits to the Rivers State Commands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to deepen collaboration and enhance operational synergy among security agencies.
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According to a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC I Aanee Barilule, the visits reflect the Command’s renewed commitment to fostering partnerships that promote national security and economic stability.
Customs, NDLEA Pledge Joint Action Against Drug Trafficking
During her visit to the NDLEA office, Comptroller Atuluku reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commitment to effective border management and closer inter-agency coordination.
She noted that drug trafficking and smuggling are often interconnected, requiring sustained cooperation between Customs and NDLEA to safeguard the nation’s borders.
“The Nigeria Customs Service and the NDLEA share a common responsibility to protect our nation from the dangers of illicit substances and prohibited goods,”
Comptroller Atuluku stated.
“Through intelligence sharing, joint operations, and continuous engagement, we can strengthen our capacity to safeguard our borders and society.”
In his response, NDLEA Commander Ahmed Mamuda commended Comptroller Atuluku for what he described as a demonstration of proactive leadership and institutional commitment to partnership.
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He reaffirmed NDLEA’s readiness to sustain collaboration with Customs through intelligence sharing, joint enforcement, and capacity-building initiatives, describing the NCS as “a dependable partner in securing Nigeria’s borders against illicit drugs.”
Comptroller Atuluku also paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port Command, CP Michael Okoh, at the Nigerian Ports Authority Complex, Port Harcourt.
She emphasized that closer cooperation between the two agencies would significantly enhance port security, trade facilitation, and national safety.
“When we stand together as sister agencies, we send a strong message to economic saboteurs that our ports and borders are not safe havens for illegal activities,”
Atuluku said.
In his remarks, CP Okoh described the visit as a sign of authentic leadership and commitment to teamwork, pledging the Police Command’s continued support for Customs operations.
He assured that the Police would strengthen collaboration through information exchange, joint enforcement, and capacity development to secure port environments and maintain public trust.
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The Port Harcourt Area I Command under Comptroller Atuluku has continued to promote intelligence-driven operations and strategic partnerships as part of the broader Customs Service agenda to curb illicit trade and improve port efficiency.
Her engagements with the NDLEA and Police are expected to enhance real-time intelligence sharing, streamline enforcement, and ensure that Nigeria’s ports remain secure, transparent, and globally competitive.