FOU Zone ‘A’ Boss Visits Security Agencies in Lagos, Seeks Stronger Synergy Against Smuggling

By Stella Okocha 

The Acting Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Ikeja-Lagos, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, has commenced a familiarization tour of sister security agencies in Lagos to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the fight against smuggling and trans-border crimes.

The tour commenced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, with a visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja, where he was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai.

Other agencies visited include the 0 Department of State Services (DSS), Headquarters 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Strategic Command, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ikeja.The engagements provided an opportunity for the Acting Comptroller to familiarise himself with the leadership of the agencies, reaffirm existing institutional relationships, and explore practical areas of cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint operations, information exchange and enforcement within Lagos and the wider area of responsibility of FOU Zone ‘A’.

Speaking during the visit to the Police Command, DC Afeni said the responsibilities of the FOU go beyond securing the nation’s borders to advancing synergy required to protect national interests.

“We know that crime rates often increase as the country approaches the election period, as some people may attempt to take advantage of the period to perpetrate illicit activities capable of causing crises during the elections. Therefore, we are here to call for closer synergy so that these bad elements do not have their way,” he said.

He stressed that no security agency can succeed in isolation, and acknowledged the robust intelligence-gathering capability of the Nigeria Police Force.

In his response, CP Tijani Fatai described the visit as a welcome practice that has helped both agencies achieve remarkable results over the years.

“In Lagos, we have a very strong and robust relationship with all security agencies, notwithstanding the huge population of the state,” the CP said.

At Headquarters, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, highlighted the significance of joint efforts against criminality and advised against unnecessary administrative bottlenecks that could hinder operational efficiency.

The agencies visited reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service.

The courtesy visits underscore the commitment of FOU Zone ‘A’ to advancing collaborative enforcement in support of national security, revenue protection, trade facilitation and overall economic interests of Nigeria.