By Samaila Bayo, Birnin kebbi
The Nigeria Customs Service, Army and the Beninese Customs and security operatives have met to collaborate on the safety of officers lives, properties and government assets along the Maje Border corridor between Nigeria and Benin Republic in Kebbi State.
It would be recalled that a deputy superintendent of Customs, Sadiq Tahir Muhammad was killed at Maje axis in Bagudo Area of Kebbi State by the bandits. Following the incident, the Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, Commanding Officer, 1 Battalion Nigerian Army, Major Shola Elijah Moses and representatives of sister agencies visited the area and urged officers to synergize, remain vigilant, well-kitted and respond decisively when attacked.
While speaking during the visit to Tsamiya/Sebgana border, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller said the synergy and collaboration between security agencies of both countries important to effectively secure the shared border and enhance mutual trust.
He said "Our visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation and promoting intelligence sharing for improved border management between Nigeria and Benin Republic".
Earlier, during their visit to Maje border area of kebbi State, Major Moses, reminded officers at the borders that they are their brothers’ keepers, he called for greater cooperation at both operational and tactical levels, including sharing of timely intelligence.
On his part, the Village Head of Maje, represented by the Chief Imam of Maje, liman Yusuf extended his condolences to the Nigeria Customs Service over its officer that was killed in the area. He pledged the community’s continued cooperation in the sharing of relevant information with security agencies
In his response, the Comptroller of Customs, Wara Border, Benin Republic, Arouna Dramane, commended the initiative, describing it as a welcome development. While conducting the Nigerian delegation around the country's facilities for familiarization and assured collaboration, he assured that his country was ready to cooperate with Nigeria to effectively secure the border.
The two countries, during the visit concluded with an exchange of goodwill and a reaffirmation of the commitment to work together in ensuring peace and security along the Nigeria/Benin border in Kebbi State.
