Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Comptroller Afeni Visits LSSTF, As Ogunsan Pushes For Stronger Collaboration Against Smuggling, Cross-Border Crimes
Customs FOU Zone ‘A’ Comptroller Afeni Visits LSSTF, As Ogunsan Pushes For Stronger Collaboration Against Smuggling, Cross-Border Crimes
By Success Okezie
The dynamic and increasingly interconnected nature of modern security challenges — spanning territorial borders, commercial corridors and the statutory jurisdictions of government agencies — has once again brought to the fore the urgent need for a more integrated, collaborative and intelligence-driven security framework.
From the trafficking of prohibited goods and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, to the sophisticated criminal networks that exploit loopholes in enforcement, the threats confronting the nation demand synergy, not silo operations.
This was the central theme of deliberations when the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, led senior officers of the Unit on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, at the Fund’s headquarters in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the visit was aimed at exploring avenues for stronger institutional collaboration in Lagos State, while also reinforcing the broader national security architecture.
Welcoming the Customs delegation, Dr. Ogunsan expressed delight at the visit, describing it as timely, strategic and a clear demonstration of inter-agency commitment to collective security.
The LSSTF Chief Executive said he was enthusiastic about the prospects of a mutually beneficial relationship between both organizations and assured the visitors of the Fund’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
“There are a lot of things we could do together,” Dr. Ogunsan stated, signalling the Fund’s willingness to partner with the Nigeria Customs Service in strengthening security operations, particularly through improved equipment, logistics and institutional support.
He noted that the business of security has evolved beyond conventional policing and military operations, to include the critical statutory roles of agencies charged with preventing the entry of prohibited and dangerous goods, intercepting illicit consignments and enforcing extant laws governing the movement of goods across Nigeria’s borders.
“The Service’s enforcement adds an important layer to efforts aimed at safeguarding lives, protecting public institutions and maintaining security,” he emphasized.
To underscore the public impact and deterrent value of Customs operations, Dr. Ogunsan shared a relatable experience where a driver travelling at top speed became apprehensive and immediately reduced his speed upon sighting Customs officers on the road.
He explained that the visibility, professionalism and presence of Customs operatives play a critical role in deterring criminal elements from exploiting importation and distribution channels to introduce dangerous, illicit or prohibited items into the country.
According to him, such encounters demonstrate the psychological and practical value of proactive law enforcement, especially when officers are perceived as firm, committed and resolute in ensuring compliance with the law.
In his remarks, Comptroller Afeni expressed profound appreciation to Dr. Ogunsan for the warm and cordial reception, which he described as a reflection of shared values and a common desire to forge a strategic working relationship.
He explained that the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, under his leadership, is charged with anti-smuggling operations and enforcement duties across the six states of the South-West, with its operational headquarters in Lagos, making collaboration with the LSSTF both logical and imperative.
“I believe we can synergise to ensure that Lagos is free and, by extension, the entire South-West is free of crime,” the Comptroller affirmed.
Comptroller Afeni also paid glowing tribute to the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, commending his visionary, reform-driven and purposeful leadership which has placed national interest, border security and the fight against smuggling at the forefront of national development.
The meeting ended on a highly optimistic note, with both leaders expressing strong commitment to translating the high-level discussions into actionable, result-oriented collaboration that will enhance operational efficiency, strengthen inter-agency synergy and contribute significantly to a safer, more secure Lagos and South-West region
About The Author
