By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Senior secretary officers, Badagry Local Government chairmen and traditional rulers |
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a stern warning against the proliferation of illegal security checkpoints and unauthorized nocturnal operations along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. In a bold declaration that signals a new era of border security, the Service stated that any operative caught breaking into shops or "rice stores" under the cover of darkness would no longer be viewed as a law enforcement officer, but would be treated as an armed robber.
This landmark directive was disclosed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement programme organized by the Joint Border Security Committee in collaboration with the Badagry Local Government. Held at the Badagry City Hall, the event brought together security chiefs, traditional rulers, and community leaders to address the long-standing grievances of residents and traders along the strategic West African corridor.
Drastic Reduction of Checkpoints
The Customs Area Controller for the Seme Border Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, emphasized that the primary objective of the new strategy is to streamline operations and dismantle the "bottleneck" of multiple roadblocks. He acknowledged that the current volume of checkpoints particularly those involving sister agencies has become a hindrance to legitimate trade and a burden on the local population.
"The major takeaway from this engagement is that we are going to make sure the checkpoints are drastically reduced. The reduction of Immigration checkpoints is a significant challenge, but we are working closely with their Comptroller to ensure a unified and leaner security presence on the road," Adenuga stated.
Ending "Night Raids" and Illegal Extortion
In a move to restore public confidence, Comptroller Adenuga addressed the controversial practice of officers entering markets and private stores at night. He made it clear that such actions are outside the bounds of official Customs duty.
"I have told my men: any shop they break into to pack rice at night, they are armed robbers," Adenuga declared. "We must do this job in a way that people will commend us, not fear us. I am ready to cooperate 100%, and I urge the public to report any illegal checkpoints they encounter immediately."
Bridging the Gap Between Agencies and the Community
The engagement was initiated to heal the fractured relationship between security forces and the Badagry residents. Col. Ambrose Ikoro, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Comptroller of the 243 Battalion, Ibereko, explained that the initiative is not a one-time event but a continuous process of integration. He stressed that the goal is to "bridge the gap" and foster a "handshake" between the community and those sworn to protect it.
Security Through Local Intelligence
The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, applauded the initiative, recalling his time in the House of Representatives where he moved a motion regarding the porosity of Nigeria's borders. He noted that the best way to secure the corridor is by involving the people who live there.
"If we say things are going fine and don't make moves, those who know our strategies will break down the system. The residents know everything going on in their community; they are the best source of information to help security agencies do their jobs effectively," Hunpe remarked.
A Sustainable Path Forward
The stakeholders’ agreement marks a significant shift toward community policing and transparent border management. By involving traditional rulers, youth leaders, and trade associations, the Joint Border Security Committee aims to replace the culture of "harassment and extortion" with one of "facilitation and safety."
As the Nigeria Customs Service moves to implement these changes, the message to both officers and the public is clear: the Lagos-Badagry Expressway must become a corridor of prosperity, not a corridor of fear. The Service has invited the media and the public to act as watchdogs, ensuring that only the officially recognized checkpoints remain active.
Would you like me to draft a series of "Know Your Rights" infographics or social media posts to help Badagry residents report illegal checkpoints?