NCS, Lagos Security Trust Fund Seek Stronger Regional Security Ties

Customs, LSSTF Deepen Security Push to Combat Smuggling Across Lagos, South West

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) have explored stronger security collaboration to combat smuggling, intercept prohibited goods and strengthen law enforcement across Lagos and the South West.

The proposed partnership emerged during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, to the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, at his office in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The meeting focused on opportunities for institutional cooperation, particularly in improving security operations through equipment, logistics and other forms of operational support.
Ogunsan welcomed the Customs delegation, expressing optimism about the prospects of a mutually beneficial relationship between both institutions.

“There are a lot of things we could do together,” he said, signalling the Fund’s willingness to explore practical areas of cooperation with the NCS to strengthen security operations.

He noted that effective security management extended beyond conventional policing and military operations, stressing the importance of agencies responsible for preventing prohibited goods from entering the country and enforcing laws governing the movement of goods across Nigeria’s borders.

According to him, Customs enforcement plays a vital role in protecting lives, safeguarding public institutions and preventing criminal elements from exploiting weaknesses in the country’s importation and distribution channels.

Ogunsan also highlighted the deterrent effect of visible Customs operations, recalling an incident in which a driver travelling at high speed became apprehensive after sighting Customs officers on the road.

He explained that the presence of enforcement personnel could discourage criminal activities and encourage compliance with the law, particularly among individuals seeking to move prohibited or dangerous items through unauthorised channels.

The LSSTF chief executive stressed that sustained security cooperation among government agencies remained essential to addressing emerging threats and strengthening the protection of residents, businesses and critical infrastructure.

In his remarks, Afeni thanked Ogunsan for the warm reception, describing the visit as an opportunity to establish a working relationship that would advance the shared security objectives of both institutions.

He explained that the FOU Zone A was responsible for anti-smuggling operations and enforcement across the South West, with its headquarters in Lagos.

Afeni said closer collaboration between the Customs Service and the LSSTF would strengthen ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities and improve security 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,” he said.

The Customs comptroller also commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and commitment to national priorities, particularly border security and the fight against smuggling.