The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Training College, Goron Dutse, Kano, has reaffirmed its commitment to inter-agency collaboration following a strategic visit by the Commandant, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Umar Atiku, to the 403 Flying Training School (403 FTS) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kano.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Customs Training College, Philip Christian, the visit underscores the Service’s drive under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to enhance cooperation among security agencies, foster innovation, and strengthen operational efficiency across formations.
During the engagement, Deputy Comptroller Atiku highlighted key policy priorities of the Customs leadership, including consolidating institutional reforms, improving inter-agency coordination, and promoting the use of technology to advance border protection and surveillance.
He emphasized the strategic partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Air Force, noting that both institutions play critical roles in joint task force operations aimed at curbing smuggling and other transnational crimes.
“Our partnership with the Nigerian Air Force is vital to advancing aerial surveillance and border security. By working together, we strengthen our capacity to detect and deter illicit trade, smuggling, and other criminal activities that threaten national stability,” Atiku stated.
In his response, the Commandant of the 403 Flying Training School commended the visit and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustained inter-agency cooperation. He assured that the Air Force would continue to provide aerial intelligence and rapid-response support to boost Customs operations, particularly in hard-to-reach and high-risk areas.
Both institutions agreed that safeguarding Nigeria’s borders is a shared responsibility that requires sustained collaboration. They called for intensified efforts to combat smuggling, drug trafficking, and other cross-border crimes, which they identified as major threats to youth development, economic growth, and national security.
