Customs FOU Zone ‘A’, LSSTF Strengthen Alliance against Smuggling, Cross-Border Crimes
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo -The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) have moved to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to combat smuggling and cross-border crimes in Lagos and other South-West states.
The renewed commitment followed a meeting between the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, and the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of 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 by Afeni and senior officers of the Unit focused on exploring areas of cooperation between both organisations to improve security operations and strengthen efforts to tackle criminal activities.
Receiving the Customs delegation, Ogunsan described the visit as timely and strategic, expressing the Fund’s readiness to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with the Service to enhance security in Lagos State.
He said both organisations had significant opportunities to work together, particularly in providing operational support, improving logistics and strengthening the capacity of security agencies to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“There are a lot of things we could do together,” Ogunsan said, emphasising the need for closer cooperation among agencies whose statutory responsibilities contribute to protecting lives and property.
He noted that security challenges had evolved beyond conventional policing and military operations, stressing the importance of recognising the roles of other government agencies in preventing the entry of prohibited goods, intercepting illicit consignments and enforcing laws governing the movement of goods across the country’s borders.
According to him, the enforcement activities of the Nigeria Customs Service provide an additional layer of protection against threats capable of undermining public safety and national security.
Ogunsan also highlighted the deterrent effect of visible and effective Customs operations, recounting an experience involving a driver who reduced his speed after sighting Customs officers on the road.
He said the incident illustrated how the presence of security operatives could influence public conduct and discourage individuals from engaging in activities that violate the law.
The LSSTF chief executive maintained that the visibility and professionalism of Customs officers were important in preventing criminal networks from exploiting importation and distribution channels to move dangerous, illicit or prohibited items into the country.
He reiterated the Fund’s willingness to explore areas of cooperation that could strengthen the operational capacity of the Service and support its contribution to security across Lagos and the wider South-West region.
In his response, Afeni expressed appreciation to Ogunsan for the warm reception, describing the meeting as an opportunity to establish a stronger working relationship between the two organisations.
He explained that FOU Zone ‘A’ was responsible for anti-smuggling operations and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West, with its operational headquarters in Lagos.
The Comptroller said the Unit’s broad operational coverage made cooperation with the LSSTF important to achieving more effective enforcement and improved security outcomes across the region.
“I believe we can synergise to ensure that Lagos is free and, by extension, the entire South-West is free of crime,” Afeni said.
He stressed the importance of collective action in confronting criminal activities, noting that effective collaboration among relevant institutions would help strengthen the fight against smuggling and other security threats.
Afeni also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for what he described as visionary, reform-driven and purposeful leadership.
He said the leadership of the Customs chief had continued to prioritise national interest, border security and the fight against smuggling as important components of national development.
The meeting ended with both organisations expressing optimism about the prospects of translating their discussions into practical initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.
The proposed partnership is expected to support broader efforts to combat smuggling, disrupt criminal networks and enhance security in Lagos and other South-West states.
