The Imo/Abia Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has convened a maiden forum for Public Relations Officers (PROs) of security agencies in Imo State to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, promote information sharing, and improve public communication on security matters.
The meeting, held on 14 October 2026 at the Command headquarters in Owerri, brought together image-makers from various security arms. The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Happiness Ikpi-Ebri, welcomed the participants and commended them for responding to the invitation, describing the initiative as a vital opportunity to strengthen professional relationships among sister agencies.
In his welcome address, the Command Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Nnamdi Aligwekwe, said the forum was established to provide a platform for familiarisation, swift information exchange, and a more cohesive working relationship. He also called for periodic workshops to deepen PROs’ understanding of the mandates and operations of different security arms.
Chairing the meeting, Assistant Commander of Narcotics Opara-Emeka Kelechi of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) emphasised that effective public communication is key to state security and building public trust.
The NDLEA Imo State Command PRO, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics 1 Eberechukwu Dike, commended the NCS for its active collaboration, particularly through the handover of seized prohibited substances. In response, Aligwekwe credited the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Owerri, with relentless efforts to intercept illicit substances within and beyond the state.
Also speaking, the Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Imo State Command, CRC David Egejuru, commended the Customs PR Unit for initiating the forum and pledged full support for its continuity. He stressed, “We pledge that henceforth, quarterly meetings are sacrosanct,” to consolidate the progress the Nigeria Customs Service has made in hosting this maiden engagement.
The meeting resolved to hold the forum quarterly, alongside regular workshops to improve members’ knowledge of each agency's specific mandate. Participants also agreed to rotate hosting responsibilities among the agencies and emphasised that public relations must never be used to conceal crime, but should focus on managing agency reputations responsibly.
Other participants included PROs from the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service, and the NDLEA Zonal PRO for Zone 12.
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