Lagos State Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enhance security and business operations statewide.

Mr Jimoh spoke on Friday during a courtesy visit to the customs area controller of the Lagos Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, Hauwa Abubakar, in Lagos.

The commissioner described the NCS as a “sister agency”, emphasising that both institutions shared a common national purpose—ensuring peace, progress, and prosperity for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our synergy is strong, and we must continue to strengthen it for the benefit of our nation,” he said.

Mr Jimoh explained that his visit aimed to reinforce cooperation between the two agencies, particularly in the areas of port security, trade facilitation, and public trust.

He recalled that during his tenure in the eastern command, he maintained a close working relationship with customs officials to ensure both agencies aligned with the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business Policy.

“When I resumed duty at the ports, I discovered that some individuals were using police protection to obstruct legitimate business operations.

“I immediately disbanded such arrangements because we must never be seen as backing illegality,” he stated.

The police chief noted that since assuming office in Lagos, he had visited several customs controllers to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.

While acknowledging past conflicts among security operatives, Mr Jimoh clarified that the NPF and NCS had continued to maintain a cordial relationship.

Mr Jimoh pledged full police support in protecting customs personnel, facilities, and property across Lagos State.

He directed all divisional police officers (DPOs) to provide immediate assistance whenever called upon by customs officials.

The commissioner also commended the NCS leadership for recent policy initiatives promoting transparency and accountability in vehicle importation and other trade processes.

He urged officers of both agencies to uphold professionalism, discipline, and mutual respect while working to eliminate misconduct within their ranks to sustain public confidence.

Responding, Ms Abubakar reaffirmed the strong partnership between the NCS and other security agencies, including the NPF and the Nigerian Army.

She expressed delight over the long-standing collaboration between the agencies, describing the relationship as both professional and personal.

Ms Abubakar noted that the understanding among security agencies had contributed significantly to maintaining order and ensuring smooth operations within the Lagos Free Trade Zone, one of Nigeria’s major economic hubs.

“We have no issues working together. The synergy keeps getting better, and we are proud of our collective achievements,” she said.

The comptroller assured that under her leadership, the LFTZ Command would continue to promote cooperation with all stakeholders to enhance trade facilitation, security, and national development.

(NAN)