By Rabiu MUSA, Abuja
In a bid to enhance and enforce maximum security and safety at the border, the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has commended the Nigerian Army’s efforts in combating the menace of insecurity in Nigeria, expressing the need for the two agencies to collaborate more in curbing smuggling and other border threats.
This information was disclosed by the Customs Boss when he led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, the Customs boss, said, “On behalf of officers and men of the service, I congratulate you on your appointment as the Chief of Army Staff, a well-deserved position.”
His words: “The seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Army would provide the opportunity for the two agencies to work together and improve their expertise in the areas of fight against smuggling, counter-terrorism, intelligence and extending humanitarian support to the public.”
The CGC reiterated, “We need this active collaboration with the Nigerian Army to enable us to kickstart our social program of distributing relief items to the victims of insurgency at IDP Camps, and we want the Nigerian Army to provide us with security and logistics while conveying this stuff.”
However, the customs boss, also appreciated the long-existing relationship and formidable bond between the two agencies.
Adding, “We have collaborated in several missions that succeeded in curbing smuggling, hence the need to form a formidable force to fight against enemies of the state.”
The CGCstressed, “I wish to extend our sincere request to strengthen our ties to address the illegal inflow of dangerous goods and other threats to national sovereignty and the steadfast support that the Nigerian Army gives to Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service has enhanced their skills in many areas.”
In his response, the COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said, “I appreciate your visit and assured you of the Nigerian Army’s unflinching support to strengthen the security at the border areas.”
His words: ,“We must continue to collaborate to make sure we synergize and work closely in the areas of maintaining national security and training, and the Nigerian Army will continue to partner with Customs towards border-related issues and interests across the Federation.”
In addition, the COAS, maintained that such collaboration would continue to provide valuable opportunities for the Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service to acquire new skills and knowledge, recalling that the two Security agencies have since been good partners in progress.
