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: 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.

Muhammad Bashir.

In a remarkable event on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi hands over the Vice-Chair of the WCO West and Central Africa Sub-Region to Mali’s Inspector-General of Customs, Amadou Konate.

The CGC emphasised that the sub-region serves as a platform for Customs Administrations to share experiences and develop lasting solutions to their common problems.

CGC Adeniyi also identified areas where the Nigeria Customs Service could assist the Malian Customs Administration in fulfilling its mandates, pledging mutual mentorship and support.

Speaking on the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework, Adeniyi explained, “The WCO is an umbrella body uniting over 184 Customs Administrations worldwide, led by an elected Secretary-General. Each of the six global regions has an elected Vice-Chair who assists the Secretary-General in the administrative structure.”

He continued, “The West African sub-region, comprising 24 Customs Administrations from West and Central Africa, is where we geographically belong.”

Adeniyi reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to revenue generation and supporting the national budget, aligning with the mandates of other Customs Administrations in the sub-region. He also emphasised the importance of trade facilitation and the role of Customs Administrations in implementing measures that enhance the trade environment.

Inspector-General Amadou Konate of the Malian Customs Administration expressed gratitude to CGC Adeniyi and his management team for their hospitality. He also expressed interest in building strong collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service in areas of public interest.

Konate noted that the administrative structure of the Malian Customs Administration differs from that of the Nigeria Customs Service but welcomed the opportunity to learn from their experience.