Monday Ibrahim, Makurdi
The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS North-Eastern Marine Command, have agreed to deepen their working relationship. Both agencies said the renewed commitment will boost security operations and improve intelligence sharing across Benue and surrounding states.
State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mrs. Larai Bitrus, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the newly redeployed Acting Area Comptroller of Customs, North-Eastern Marine Command, Mr. Joseph Ikewun. The meeting held at the NSCDC headquarters in Makurdi. 
Mrs. Bitrus recalled how the two agencies worked closely under the previous customs leadership. She said their joint operations and intelligence gathering then helped tackle several security challenges in their areas of responsibility, and she wants that momentum to continue.
She also outlined the core duties of the NSCDC. These include protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, managing disasters, regulating private guard companies, running the Safe School Initiative, securing agricultural investments through the Agro Rangers unit, and providing security for high-profile persons.
The Commandant stressed that sustained collaboration is key. She said the NSCDC is fully committed to partnering with Customs in areas where their mandates overlap for the good of national security and the economy.
“I want to use this opportunity to restate our resolve to deepen synergy and collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service for the benefit of our nation’s security and economic interests,” she said.
Mr. Ikewun, on his part, said the visit was to strengthen ties and appreciate the existing cordial relationship between both services. He described NSCDC and Customs as strategic partners with a shared duty to protect Nigeria’s economic and security interests. While Customs focuses on trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling, NSCDC complements that by guarding critical infrastructure and maintaining internal security.
He added that the North-Eastern Marine Command covers a vast area, including River Benue waterways through Adamawa, Taraba and Borno, plus border waterways linked to Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Because of that large terrain, he said effective intelligence sharing and coordinated operations are not just useful, they’re necessary.
According to a statement by NSCDC Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Corps Ejelikwu Michael, both agencies are optimistic about the renewed partnership. They expect it will lead to more joint patrols, better intelligence exchange, and capacity building for officers, all aimed at improving security and protecting economic assets in the region.
