Sani Haruna
The new Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, Mr. Mahmud Matawalle-Ibrahim, has assumed duty with a pledge to strengthen anti-smuggling operations, boost revenue generation, and enhance border control.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Birnin Kebbi, Matawalle-Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the command.
He also commended his predecessor, Comptroller Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, for laying a solid foundation, assuring that he would consolidate on the achievements recorded while striving for greater success.
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According to him, the Kebbi Area Command holds strategic national importance by safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and contributing to revenue growth.
Matawalle-Ibrahim emphasized that under his leadership, the Command would:
adopt intelligence-driven, coordinated anti-smuggling operations,
improve revenue performance through transparent processes, automation, and data-driven enforcement,
strengthen border management in collaboration with sister security agencies and host communities, and
engage stakeholders through compliance sensitization to build trust and encourage voluntary adherence.
He warned that acts of sabotage and indiscipline would not be tolerated, stressing that accountability would be firm and fair, while outstanding performance would be duly recognized and rewarded.
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“I urge officers and men of the Command to rededicate themselves to the core values of integrity, efficiency, and professionalism. I assure the Comptroller-General and stakeholders of my unwavering resolve to deliver on the strategic mandate of the Service,” Matawalle-Ibrahim stated.
Earlier, the outgoing Area Controller, Nwokorie, appreciated officers, men of the Command, and sister security agencies for their cooperation and support during his tenure.
He urged them to extend the same level of support to Matawalle-Ibrahim to enable him succeed in his new assignment.

