The Nigeria Customs Service has appointed Deputy Comptroller of Customs Joseph Ikenwu as Acting Comptroller of the North Eastern Marine Command as part of renewed efforts to strengthen surveillance and combat smuggling along Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Ikenwu officially assumed office at the Command headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State, on 30 April 2026, marking the beginning of a new leadership phase focused on operational efficiency, maritime security, and improved service delivery.

The appointment reflects the Service’s determination to reinforce enforcement operations, curb illegal maritime activities, and deepen collaboration with security and regulatory agencies within the Command’s jurisdiction.

Speaking during his assumption of duty, Ikenwu pledged to consolidate on existing achievements and promote stronger cooperation among stakeholders and sister agencies in securing the nation’s waterways.

“I am committed to building on the solid foundation already established. My priority is to strengthen collaboration with relevant stakeholders and sister agencies to secure our maritime corridors and suppress criminal activities. We will maintain an open door policy that promotes communication, teamwork, and mutual respect among officers to ensure the Command remains effective in protecting Nigeria’s waterways,” he stated.

He identified enhanced inter agency cooperation, intelligence driven enforcement, and stronger internal coordination among officers as key priorities aimed at improving operational effectiveness and tackling smuggling activities across waterways.

Ikenwu also commended the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noting that ongoing reforms and infrastructural improvements within the Service demonstrate a sustained commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and institutional growth.

According to him, the North Eastern Marine Command remains strategically important to the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in securing waterways and facilitating legitimate trade through targeted enforcement and intelligence based operations.