The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its resilience to collaborate with the Nigerien Military and Douanes to intensify the security approach against criminals within the two countries’ territorial borders.
The former Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.) CFR, made this known on Wednesday when he received the delegation of the Nigerien Supreme Military College at Customs Corporate Headquarters, Abuja. Col. Hameed Ali who described the collaboration between the two Security Agencies as vital, also said that knotting the tie with the Nigerien counterpart will enable the two organizations to strengthen security measures at their borders, generate revenues and ensure the well-being of their citizens.
“One of our significant roles is to protect our borders and ensure that criminals do not import illicit substances into Nigeria, and we also generate revenue to this country. In doing this, we have so many reasons to collaborate with Nigerien Customs Administration,” Ali said.
The former CGC also applauded the constitution of a Joint Task Force with the Nigerien Customs Administration to tackle the menace within the territorial borders of the two Countries. He insisted that Security Agencies continued close collaboration would achieve a win-win situation for all and go a long way in suppressing criminal activities in both Niger and Nigeria.
DCG Abba Kura in charge of the Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation Department expressed the commitment of Nigeria Customs Service in securing and protecting territorial borders from the illegal movement of goods and persons.
He also explained to the participants that parts of the activities of NCS were revenue generation, fighting against smuggling and facilitating trade.
On his part, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC), Greg Itotoh, commended the representatives of the Nigerien Supreme Military College and sought total collaboration with them in fighting against criminal activities across borders.
“Our efforts to ensure national security is what brings economic security and the protection of lives and properties of Nigerians by curtailing the activities of organised crime syndicates resulting in smuggling of food items, petroleum, light weapons, kidnapping amongst other atrocious activities”, he added.
He also maintained that the collaboration between NCS and Nigerien Customs will also pave the way to achieving a laudable milestone in the area of crime control and blockage of illicit goods and persons.
Meanwhile, Col. Abdul-Razaq Ben Ibrahim, who was the leader of the Nigerien Delegation, said that their visit was aimed at strengthening the mutual relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and Niger Republic to fortify their territorial borders and rub minds on how best the two Agencies will address illegal activities across the borders.
“I would like to, first of all, thank the administration of the Nigeria Customs Service for the warm reception at your Headquarters. We are here to also share our experiences and increase the security of your borders.”
Source: NCS Newsletter June 2023 Edition
