Juliet Jacob 
ENUGU, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reaffirms its frontline role in combating drug trafficking in the Southeast, as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeks deeper inter-agency collaboration.
The commitment emerged during a courtesy visit by NDLEA Enugu State Commander Owoputi Adekunle to the Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Area Command of Customs.
Adekunle warns that illicit drugs pose a growing threat to Nigeria’s youth and economic productivity, stressing that cooperation among security agencies remains vital. “Drug trafficking and abuse continue to endanger our young people and weaken the nation’s workforce,” he says. “Inter-agency collaboration is indispensable.”
He commends Customs Area Controller Comptroller Favour Bodunde for sustaining a productive partnership, expressing confidence that cooperation will strengthen during his tenure, which begins in October 2025.
Responding, Bodunde reiterates Customs’ readiness to disrupt drug supply routes, particularly along borders and transit corridors in the region. “Our Command remains committed to collaboration, innovation and consolidation,” she says. “We will continue to strengthen officer capacity to combat drug smuggling and substance abuse.”
She adds that the renewed partnership aligns with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, prioritising intelligence sharing, joint operations and continuous capacity building.
According to Customs spokesperson ASC I Chikezie Nwankwo, the engagement forms part of a broader national strategy to dismantle drug networks and promote a drug-free society through enforcement and public sensitisation.
Both agencies reaffirm their resolve to safeguard public health and national security through sustained cooperation.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 