The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, on 11 June 2026 paid a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Borno/Yobe Area Command, Comptroller AM Idris, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna M Sani acting media information officer HQ JTF North East operation hadin Kai said the visit was aimed at strengthening inter agency collaboration and enhancing synergy in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges in the North East region.
Speaking during the visit, Brigadier General Diwa stated that the engagement was in line with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat ready, and collaborative force capable of effectively addressing contemporary security threats within a joint and multi agency environment.
The GOC acknowledged the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service in national security, particularly in counter insurgency operations through effective border management, intelligence sharing, and support to joint security operations. He noted that the Service has continued to contribute significantly to disrupting the logistical networks of insurgents and other criminal elements operating within the region.
Brigadier General Diwa further highlighted the contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service through the deployment of specialized strike forces and zonal operations, including Zone D in the North East, which have helped to curb the smuggling of contraband goods and petroleum products often exploited by insurgents and bandits to sustain their activities.
He added that these efforts have not only enhanced security but also created an enabling environment for socio economic activities to thrive across the region.
The GOC emphasized the need to deepen existing cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service in order to effectively address emerging security challenges and consolidate the gains achieved in the ongoing counter insurgency operations.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Borno/Yobe Area Command, Comptroller Abdullahi Mohammed Idris, congratulated Brigadier General Diwa on his appointment and assumption of duty as the GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI. He commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in combating insurgency and restoring peace in the North East.
The Comptroller further stressed that no single agency possesses a monopoly over security, emphasizing that effective security management requires cooperation among all stakeholders. He also acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s support in building the capacity of Customs personnel through training and operational collaboration.
According to him, the longstanding synergy between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service remains exemplary and will continue to be strengthened in the collective interest of national security.
The visit culminated in an interactive session, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs, further reinforcing the commitment of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service to sustaining inter agency cooperation in the promotion of lasting peace, security, and stability in Borno State and the North East region at large.
