From right: Comptroller of Customs, FOU Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Shuaibu exchanging ideas with the Commander, NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Abubakar Wali during the visit.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone ‘A’, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA have pledged to strengthen collaboration in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against rising substance abuse in the country.

This renewed commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller of FOU ‘A’, Mohammed Shuaibu to the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command in Ikoyi on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.

Speaking during the engagement, Comptroller Shuaibu said the visit was aimed at deepening inter-agency cooperation in tackling drug-related crimes.

Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu (6th from left) and General Officer Commanding GOC 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Olawale Oyekola (7th from right) as well as other officers from both Customs and the Nigerian Army during the visit.

“Recently, I got an award from NDLEA, symbolising our collaborative effort. On that note, I am here to extend the hand of collaboration further. As part of our objective to secure the country, we are here to discuss working as a team while consolidating our existing relationship”, he stated.

He stressed the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigerian youth from the destructive influence of drugs. “Most of the crimes we deal with today are drug-induced. This is why we will continue to do our best to secure the future of our young ones from the ongoing menace” he said.

The Commander NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command Abubakar Wali, welcomed the visit and praised Customs for its consistent support.

“We appreciate the Nigeria Customs Service for always helping us in the fight against drug abuse, as I believe we can partner in capacity building”, he said.

He further proposed joint operations as a proactive measure, saying, “A lot of substances keep coming up, so if we can have joint patrols, the trend of drug abuse will reduce.

Comptroller Shuaibu also visited the State Director of the Department of State Services DSS, Babajide Adisa, and the General Officer Commanding GOC 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Olawale Oyekola.

He noted that the visits signified a unified front among security agencies in safeguarding national security.