The Acting Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri, Deputy Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya, has called for stronger inter-command collaboration, operational discipline and collective responsibility in the fight against smuggling and the protection of government revenue.

Nadaniya made the call on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a familiarisation tour of Customs formations within Zone ‘C’, covering the Zone ‘C’ Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt I Area Command, Ibeto Seaport Area 5 Command, Port Harcourt Area II (Onne) Command and the Eastern Marine Command.

The visit, according to the Acting Comptroller, was part of his efforts to strengthen operational coordination, promote effective service delivery and establish closer working relationships with Area Controllers, officers and men across the various formations.

During the engagements, Nadaniya expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve, while appreciating the respective Area Controllers and their personnel for the warm reception accorded him and their continued commitment to the discharge of their official responsibilities.

He emphasised that effective collaboration among Customs formations remains critical to achieving the strategic objectives of the Service, particularly in combating smuggling, safeguarding government revenue and enforcing laws governing legitimate trade.

The Acting Comptroller also solicited the continued support and cooperation previously extended to his predecessor, noting that sustaining the existing spirit of teamwork would help consolidate achievements, strengthen operational performance and address emerging challenges across the zone.

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He urged officers and men to remain committed to their statutory responsibilities, stressing that a united and coordinated approach would enhance the effectiveness of Customs operations and contribute significantly to the realisation of the Service’s mandate.

In their separate responses, the Area Controllers described the visit as a welcome initiative that would further strengthen relationships among the commands and promote a more coordinated approach to operational activities.

They assured Nadaniya of their continued support and cooperation, pledging to maintain cordial working relationships anchored on mutual respect, professionalism, discipline and accountability.

The Area Controllers also encouraged him to sustain the momentum of ongoing reforms by aligning his operational strategies with the achievements and reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, particularly in advancing the Service’s drive towards greater efficiency, improved revenue generation and effective border enforcement.

They expressed confidence that the renewed collaboration would enhance operational efficiency throughout his area of responsibility and offered prayers for divine guidance, protection, good health and wisdom for Nadaniya and all officers and men of FOU Zone ‘C’ in the discharge of their duties.

In a related development, the Acting Comptroller disclosed that a meeting recently held with patrol team leaders of the Unit was aimed at reinforcing discipline, professionalism, vigilance and accountability among personnel engaged in field operations.

He stressed that patrol teams occupy a critical position in the operational framework of the Federal Operations Unit, given their responsibilities in intelligence-driven enforcement, anti-smuggling activities and the protection of the nation’s economic interests.

Nadaniya therefore charged the team leaders to ensure that officers under their supervision uphold the highest standards of conduct and operational efficiency while carrying out their statutory duties.

He reiterated that discipline and accountability must remain non-negotiable principles in all enforcement activities, adding that the success of the Unit depends not only on effective operations but also on professionalism, integrity and respect for established procedures.

The familiarisation tour and engagement with patrol team leaders underscore the Acting Comptroller’s commitment to strengthening inter-command relationships, promoting operational excellence and consolidating the collective efforts of Customs formations across Zone ‘C’.

With sustained cooperation, disciplined personnel and a shared commitment to the Service’s mandate, FOU Zone ‘C’ is expected to further strengthen its capacity to combat smuggling, protect government revenue and facilitate legitimate trade in support of national economic development.