Customs says it plans to rid Nigeria of terrorists and bandits by collaborating with other security agencies to intercept their equipment
By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it is forming an alliance with the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force and other security and intelligence agencies to curtail terrorism, banditry and other trans-border security issues.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Alli stated this today at the maiden edition of Port Industry Town Hall Meeting organised by Journalng, a media organisation.
The theme of the town hall meeting is tagged: Towards Hitch-free Port Operation in Nigeria.
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The CG who was represented at the meeting by Deputy Controller Kikelomo Adeola, DC in charge of revenue at Tincan Island Port Command of the service stated that Customs is not resting on her oars to nip every form of trans-border insecurity.
The collaboration, according to the CG, is to function in four geo-political zones adding that the synergy would be coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser
He stated that “Nigeria Customs Service is partnering the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force as well as all security and intelligence agencies to conduct joint border security operations for quick response coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser in four geopolitical areas.
“The South-South, the South West, the North Central and the North West to promote inter-agency collaboration and addressing trans-border security challenges such as terrorism, armed banditry, smuggling and proliferation of light arms and small weapons
“The Nigeria Customs Service is not resting on her oars,” he said.
Earlier, the Service had acknowledged the efforts of the federal government in the acquisition of scanners at the ports to facilitate trade in the ports.
Other stakeholders such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Kaduna Inland Dry Port; Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents etc also made contributions