The Customs Area Controller of the Sokoto-Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kamal Mohammed, has confirmed the command’s readiness for the reopening of the Nigeria-Niger border at Illela, Sokoto State.
During a visit to the border post, he noted that he was there to ensure all necessary arrangements were in place ahead of the final directive.
Mohammed mentioned that following the lifting of sanctions on Niger Republic by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the restoration of power supply to the country, he had visited to verify the border’s readiness for reopening.
“I came to ensure all is set towards the reopening of the Illela border while they await the last order,” he said.
He urged stakeholders and security agencies at the border station to prioritize cooperation, especially in intelligence sharing, information exchange, and joint operations to protect the nation’s borders.
He emphasized that through collaboration, each agency could effectively and efficiently carry out its designated responsibilities.
He expressed gratitude to the Customs Licence Agents for their patience during the seven-month border closure, acknowledging the challenges they faced and expressing optimism for a better future.
He thanked the Illela Community for their hospitality and announced the service’s commitment to constructing a primary healthcare facility at the border station as part of their corporate social responsibility, benefiting both officers and the local community upon completion.
Comptroller Mohammed showed respect to the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Muhammad Zayyanu, seeking his counsel to discourage smuggling activities among his subjects.
