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Intelligence Sharing Tops Agenda as Customs, DSS Meet in Kogi
By Our Correspondent
The Nigeria Customs Service, Niger/Kogi Area Command, and the Department of State Services, DSS, have renewed moves to deepen operational collaboration and intelligence sharing to address security concerns in Kogi State.
Comptroller Muhammad Sani Umar, mni, Customs Area Controller for Niger/Kogi, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the DSS State Director, Mr. Aliyu Bashir, fsc+, mnim, at the Service’s Command Headquarters in Lokoja on Tuesday, 17th June 2026. The meeting was part of ongoing inter-agency engagements aimed at improving response to cross-border threats and other security risks within the state.
Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Umar said no single agency can effectively tackle the scope of today’s security challenges. He explained that closer synergy and real-time intelligence exchange between the Nigeria Customs Service and the DSS remain key to monitoring the movement of goods and persons, protecting the economy, and securing lives across Kogi State.
The Customs boss added that stronger coordination at both strategic and operational levels would help both agencies deliver on their mandates more efficiently, especially in tackling smuggling, trafficking, and other crimes that threaten national security.
Responding, DSS State Director Mr. Aliyu Bashir welcomed the visit and described the relationship between both agencies as vital. He noted that collaboration should not stop at the leadership level but must filter down to officers on the field who carry out day-to-day enforcement and intelligence work.
Bashir urged continuous engagement between personnel of the two Services to guarantee timely information sharing, joint operations where necessary, and overall improved service delivery to Nigerians.
Both agencies ended the meeting with a joint commitment to expand their partnership, enhance field-level cooperation, and sustain security efforts across Kogi State.
