The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has convened a security summit in Kebbi State as part of efforts to address the persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements operating in border communities.
The maiden security summit, held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, brought together key stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional rulers, and government officials, to deliberate on strategies aimed at enhancing security and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller Timi Bomadi, said the summit was organized to strengthen collaboration among critical stakeholders in the fight against insecurity.
According to him, participants at the summit included representatives of the military, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional institutions, and the Kebbi State Government.
Bomadi expressed concern over the growing security challenges in border communities, noting that security personnel and civilians have continued to suffer casualties from repeated attacks by bandits and terrorists.
“Security reports indicated that our officers, military, civil defence, FRSC, immigration and civilians have lost their lives to bandits and terrorists as a result of constant attacks by criminals on checkpoints at border areas in Kebbi State,” he said.
He explained that the summit forms part of a broader initiative by the Customs headquarters to engage stakeholders in affected states and develop practical strategies to curb attacks and other forms of criminality in border regions.
In his remarks, the Kebbi State Customs Area Comptroller, Mahmoud Ibrahim Matawalle, commended Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support to security agencies operating in the state and for approving the hosting of the summit.
Matawalle also expressed appreciation to the governor for donating two operational vehicles to the Customs command, a gesture he said would significantly enhance surveillance and security operations in border communities.
He assured residents that the command would continue to work closely with other security agencies to strengthen security architecture and ensure the safety of lives and property throughout the state.
The summit is expected to foster greater cooperation among stakeholders and provide a coordinated approach to tackling the security threats confronting border communities in Kebbi State and beyond.
