Smuggling: Customs Boss Proposes Strategic Collaboration With Armed Forces

BY RUME ODJEGBA

Pursuant to efforts at reducing smuggling to the barest minimum, the leadership and management of the Nigeria Customs Service has moved a step further in its collaboration with the Nigerian military; thereby taking national security a notch higher.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR who was speaking on Thursday when the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa paid him a courtesy visit, said he recognize  the synergy that exists between the customs and army which he says has been beneficial and very critical, noting that such unity and understanding is essential for promoting internal cohesion and stability.

CSC Abdullahi Maiwada the customs spokesman in a statement quoted the customs boss as saying that unity exalts a nation and declared that the service and army stands will continue to work together.

The statement reads, “In a pivotal meeting on Thursday, 30 November 2023, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR lauded the collaborative efforts between the Nigeria Customs Service and the armed forces, emphasizing the critical role such partnerships play in national security.”

Acknowledging the global challenges, the CGC reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service in the area of collaboration, innovation  and consultations, even as he emphasized that unity strengthens a nation, stating, “We stand stronger when we work together.”

Reflecting on past collaborations with the Defense Headquarters, Adeniyi highlighted the support received in capacity building, joint operations and training exercises, while assuring that the service would continue to explore innovative solutions to challenges and continue to work closely with other government agencies, while , leveraging on technology.

Interestingly, the CGC  proposed an intensified joint exercise between the service and the military, even as he suggested more frequent operations to demonstrate a show of force, designed to serve as  deterrence to criminals.

While emphasizing the importance of shared experiences in training and the facilitation of a better understanding of operational contexts, the CGC expressed gratitude for the support provided by the armed forces in various operations, particularly in civil-military cooperation initiatives.

He underscored the significance of information sharing and the need for collaborative efforts to address porous borders and challenges posed by non-state actors, and assured the Chief of Defence Staff of the Customs Service’s continued support, stressing the prioritization of clearing military consignments and participation in training programs.

Responding, General Musa applauded the critical role played by the Nigeria Customs Service in the nation’s security landscape, stating that without the critical role of customs and contribution, the country’s defense efforts would be severely compromised.

The chief of defence commended the CGC for his sterling leadership and dedication to duty since assuming office, acknowledging the challenges faced by the country, particularly in the global economic downturn.

Addressing the collaboration between the military and the customs service, General Musa endorsed the need for enhanced collaboration, training and information sharing between the armed forces and customs.