The Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Eastern Marine Command (EMC), Comptroller Anderson Jaja, has initiated a familiarization tour of operational formations and key stakeholders within his jurisdiction.
The tour is aimed at reinforcing collaborative efforts and improving maritime security along Nigeria’s waterways.
According to a press release issued by Chief Superintendent of Customs Tangwa Emmanuel, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the tour commenced on October 16, 2025, with a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, the Amanayabo of the Ancient Okochiri Kingdom in Okrika, Rivers State.
During the visit, Comptroller Jaja thanked the monarch for his ongoing support in maintaining peace and security.
He sought the King’s cooperation in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the EMC, particularly through intelligence sharing and community partnership.
The tour proceeded on October 19, 2025, to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, where the CAC was hosted by the Commanding Officer, Captain Aliyu Abdullahi.
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Comptroller Jaja delivered a message of cooperation from the Comptroller-General of Customs and praised the Navy’s sustained efforts in guarding the nation’s maritime borders.
He stressed that continuous inter-agency collaboration is essential for promoting legitimate trade and curbing smuggling, emphasizing the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) dedication to enhancing maritime security and intelligence sharing. Captain Abdullahi, in response, assured the CAC of the Navy’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NCS to achieve national security goals in the Ibaka area.
Furthering the tour on October 22, 2025, Comptroller Jaja and his team visited the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder Base, Port Harcourt, where they were received by the Base Commander, Commodore Cajetan Aniaku. The CAC reiterated the necessity for sustained synergy in maritime surveillance, logistical support, and tactical training for EMC officers to increase efficiency in combating piracy and smuggling activities.
Commodore Aniaku used the opportunity to congratulate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on his recent appointment as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council and his doctorate award from the Federal University, Lokoja. He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to continuous inter-agency cooperation.
The statement concluded that Comptroller Jaja’s familiarization tour is set to continue with visits to other formations and stakeholders across the Command’s operational area, reflecting his strategy of strengthening partnerships for improved trade facilitation and maritime security.
