By Tony Nzekwe
In accordance with the tripod policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, hinged on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation aimed to boost revenue generation, Suppress smuggling activities and enhance trade facilitation, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, on Monday, 6 September 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Micheal Okoh, at the Eastern Port Police Command, Nigerian Ports Authority Complex, Port Harcourt. The visit was aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship be tween the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in promoting national security, trade facilitation, and effective law enforcement synergy within the maritime sector.
This information was contained in a statement issued and signed by the command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Aanee BARILULE, and made available to GLOBAL RAYS Media.
In her remarks, Comptroller Atuluku, said, “The Police as the nation’s foremost law enforcement institution has a major role in maintaining peace, detecting crimes, and protecting lives and property complements Customs’ responsibilities in securing the ports and combating smuggling activities.”
The CAC stressed that both agencies share a common goal of safeguarding the nation’s economic integrity and ensuring a secure trading environment.
Compt Atuluku, asserted, “Stronger collaboration between the NCS and NPF would significantly enhance port operations and national security which is capable to sustained intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, and joint enforcement efforts to curb illicit trade, arms trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime within the port corridors.”
Her words: “When we stand together as sister agencies, we send a strong message to economic saboteurs that our ports and borders are not safe havens for illegal activities. ”
In his response, Commissioner of Police Micheal Okoh, commended the visit, describing it as a demonstration of true leadership and commitment to partnership. He praised the Customs Service for its vital role in revenue generation and border protection, while reaffirming the Police Command’s readiness to strengthen operational collaboration through information exchange, capacity building, and joint enforcement operations.
CP Okoh emphasized that synergy among security agencies remains the bedrock of national stability. “When we work hand in hand, criminals have no space to thrive,” he said, assuring the Area Controller of his command’s continued support for Customs operations and a peaceful, secure port environment.
In addition, Comptroller Atuluku reiterated that, “My visit was borne out of a sincere desire to foster closer ties, promote mutual understanding, and build a stronger framework for collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force.”
She reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining a relationship anchored on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility in advancing national security and economic growth.
In furtherance to her visitation, Compt Atuluku, visited the Natonal Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Immigration and National Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC.
At the office of the NDLEA, Compt Atuluku, harped on the need for robust synergy with the NDLEA as a veritable tool to checkmate importation of illicit drugs and safeguard the nation from dumping and youths pollution.
In the same vein, at the Immigration office, Compt Atuluku, reiterated the Comptroller General of Customs commitment and reforms to compliance and proper documentation and importation of legitimate items and persons for national planning and growth.
At her stop over at NAFDAC office, Compt. Atuluku, reaffirms the area command unalloyed commitment and zeal to sustain the on going synergy created with NAFDAC with a view to flush out unwholesome and uncontrolled items into the nation.
The courtesy visit afforded the Customs Area Controller, CAC, an opportunity to access, evaluate and share ideas on possible seamless collaboration and innovation in the discharge of her duties.
