Author: Muhammad Bashir.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, says Security Agencies in Nigeria have, in August 2024, made significant strides in safeguarding the lives and properties of Nigerians.

During a joint press briefing held at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja, CSC Maiwada presented an overview of the efforts made by various agencies, including counter-terrorism, anti-smuggling operations, law enforcement, and financial crime prevention.

He noted that the Defence Headquarters had neutralised no fewer than 1,166 suspected terrorists, arrested 1,096 suspected criminals, and rescued 721 hostages during the month under review. In addition, over 391 weapons were recovered, and several terrorist leaders were eliminated.

“The strategy of dismantling these terror groups by targeting their leadership, commanders, and collaborators is significantly diminishing their capacity to carry out major offensives. Additionally, the military recovered 391 weapons, over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, and disrupted oil theft activities worth over N5 billion.” He highlighted further.

In the area of maritime security, the Nigerian Navy dismantled 15 illegal refinery sites, while law enforcement agencies arrested 873 suspects linked to various criminal activities. He stated.

CSC Maiwada stated “Notably, a massive refinery site with a capacity of 2 million litres per day was dismantled along the Ogoloma-Bakana waterways in Rivers State. These efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s crude oil production reaching 1.658 million barrels per day, reinforcing the Navy’s role in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.”

He also used the medium to commend the Nigeria Police Force for successfully foiling plots aimed at destabilising the government and apprehending multiple armed robbers, adding that “The Nigeria Police Force had, during the nationwide ‘End Bad Governance in Nigeria’ protest, arrested a total of 873 individuals across several states in connection with various criminal activities such as armed robbery, arson, and vandalism.”

Highlighting the achievements of the Nigerian Customs Service, CSC Maiwada disclosed that the agency generated revenue of ₦475.6 billion and seized contraband worth ₦975 million, adding that “the Nigerian Correctional Service made progress in reducing prison overcrowding by releasing 257 inmates.”

According to him, other agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), also recorded significant advances in anti-corruption, drug enforcement, and human trafficking cases, with numerous arrests and recoveries.

Author: Abass Quadri.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated the service’s commitment to using smart border technology to enhance regional security.

The CGC made this statement at the West Africa Border Security Week held in Lagos on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.

The Customs Chief, who was represented by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in charge of the Apapa Area Command, said that the service is meeting the demands of border protection.

He stated, “The conduct of Time Release Studies and the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technology have ensured that we can meet the demands of our border protection.

“Implementing this smart border technology in West Africa will also require a collaborative effort from governments, international organisations, and stakeholders to address the unique challenges and needs of the region.”

Regarding synergy with sister agencies, the CGC noted that numerous illicit items have been intercepted in recent months with the assistance of relevant security agencies.

“Regarding smuggling, the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted a series of arms and ammunition. Just two months ago, we recorded 10 containers at Onne ports, as well as some at other ports,” he emphasised.

For her part, Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration Mosunmola Onilade stated that effective interagency coordination is not only desirable but essential for reducing wasteful overlap and unnecessary rivalry.

According to her, an interagency approach to crime prevention and control, as well as in preventing irregular migration, is not only imperative but very urgent. “We cannot allow rivalry between stakeholders to affect our work, which would jeopardise our national security.”

A paper was presented by the Assistant Provost Marshal, Customs Police Unit Zone ‘A’, AC Tasiu Sanusi, on the topic: “Illicit Trade and Its Implications on Border Security: The Role of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

Author: Folusho Adeogun.

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, earlier today, Friday, August 16, 2024, to express gratitude for the Nigeria Customs Service’s continued support to the State in the aspect of trade facilitation and border security.

During the meeting, Governor Zulum acknowledged the strategic importance of Borno State, which shares borders with three countries. He emphasised the need for strategic collaboration to enhance security and trade within the State.

He further expressed his appreciation to the CGC and the Nigeria Customs Service for their unwavering support in addressing the unique challenges faced by Borno State. “We are grateful for the dedication and assistance the Nigeria Customs Service has provided to Borno State. Our borders with Cameroon, Chad, and Niger require robust management, and we are keen to strengthen our relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure the safety and prosperity of our state,” Governor Zulum stated.

In response, Comptroller General Adeniyi expressed his appreciation for Governor Zulum’s visit and reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to supporting Borno State. “We appreciate the support we have received from Borno State in carrying out our core responsibilities. The Customs Service is committed to enhancing and facilitating legitimate trade while ensuring the protection of our borders,” CGC Adeniyi assured.

The meeting concluded with Governor Zulum extending an invitation to the CGC to visit Borno State, emphasising the importance of building on the existing partnership between the state and the Nigeria Customs Service.