By Victoria Attah, Correspondent
The Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has entered a new phase of leadership following the appointment of Deputy Comptroller Esien Etim Esiet as Acting Comptroller of the Command, with the new helmsman already embarking on strategic engagements aimed at strengthening maritime security and anti-smuggling operations across the nation’s eastern waterways.
His assumption of office comes at a time when authorities are intensifying efforts to combat smuggling, improve inter-agency cooperation and reinforce security around Nigeria’s coastal trade corridors.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Marine Command, DSC Joshua Iliya, the Acting Comptroller immediately commenced an extensive familiarisation and operational assessment tour across key formations in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The tour covered operational outstations in Abonnema and Onne in Rivers State, Oron in Akwa Ibom State, and Calabar in Cross River State, where Esiet inspected facilities, evaluated personnel readiness and assessed the state of operational equipment.
During the engagements, the Acting Comptroller stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies and Customs formations operating within the maritime environment. He noted that coordinated operations remain critical in tackling smuggling networks and maritime-related crimes.
“Sustained synergy is our greatest weapon in combating smuggling and maritime crimes. A united front is non-negotiable for national security,” he said.
In what observers describe as a deliberate push for institutional coordination, Esiet also met with Customs Area Controllers in Port Harcourt II Area Command (Onne), the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone, and the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command.
Beyond Customs formations, the new Acting Comptroller extended his engagements to senior military and security officials, including the Commander of NNS Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, the Commanding Officer of the Navy Forward Operating Base in Ibaka, and the Flag Officer Commanding of the Eastern Naval Command. He also paid a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Commissioner of Police.
The visits, according to the Command, were aimed at deepening inter-agency collaboration in maritime enforcement and regional security operations.Esiet’s outreach also extended to traditional institutions within host communities, underscoring the role local support plays in securing waterways and sustaining intelligence gathering. He visited the Nyemoni Iwo Ama of Abonnema Wharf Community and the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V.
The Command said the engagements reflected its commitment to maintaining cordial relationships with coastal communities that play strategic roles in maritime activities and trade movements.
As part of efforts to strengthen operational capacity, the Acting Comptroller also held discussions with the management of SeWa West Africa Limited on patrol boat maintenance and specialised officer training aimed at improving the Command’s enforcement efficiency on water.
The Eastern Marine Command remains one of the specialised operational units of the Nigeria Customs Service responsible for policing Nigeria’s eastern waterways, combating smuggling activities and supporting secure maritime trade operations.
The statement added that Esiet’s leadership would align with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, with focus on operational efficiency, officer welfare, maritime enforcement and open engagement with licensed agents and stakeholders within the maritime sector.
