Nigerian Navy, Customs Conduct Joint Patrol, Training Exercise in Badagry to Tackle Border Crimes
In a strategic move to bolster inter-agency cooperation and tighten maritime and border security, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry hosted a two-day Joint Training Exercise and Patrol with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) from Wednesday, July 16 to Thursday, July 17, 2025.
The exercise, which involved the NCS Seme Area Command and the Western Marine Command, was aimed at enhancing operational synergy, fostering intelligence sharing, and strengthening coordinated responses to security threats along Nigeria’s western coastline and border corridors.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain B.O. Omotayo, emphasized the growing need for inter-agency collaboration to counter rising cross-border crimes. He highlighted that the joint initiative would serve as a platform to promote shared understanding, build trust, and improve efficiency in tackling threats such as smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities within the region.
Day one of the programme featured two technical lectures that explored the themes: “Optimizing Multi-Agency Cooperation Towards Enhancing Operations” and “Impact of Inter-Agency Collaboration: Leveraging Core Competence and Security Cohesion.” These sessions were followed by a lively interactive dialogue where officers from the Navy and Customs exchanged insights and shared practical ideas on improving coordination and information flow.
On the second day, participants engaged in a practical joint patrol across key waterways in the Badagry operational area. The simulation exercises tested real-time responsiveness, communication flow, and interoperability between the two services, demonstrating how a unified approach can effectively deter criminal elements operating along Nigeria’s borders.
Navy Captain Omotayo noted that the successful conduct of the joint training reflects the strategic vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, as articulated in the CNS Strategic Directive 06-2023. The directive places strong emphasis on inter-agency integration and proactive security engagement to secure Nigeria’s maritime and border environments.
“The results of this exercise have proven that when we work together, we are better positioned to secure our borders and protect our national interests,” Omotayo stated.
The Navy and Customs pledged to sustain the momentum from the joint exercise and explore more avenues for collaboration in the interest of national security and regional stability.
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