Customs boss visits IGP, seeks collaboration on security challenges
Story from Haruna YUSUF
The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The purpose of the visit was to promote cooperation and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force, with the aim of ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties across the country.
During the meeting, the Acting CGC, Bashir Adeniyi, congratulated the Acting IGP on his appointment and expressed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to work hand in hand with the Police Force to tackle the challenges of insecurity. He also emphasized the willingness of the Customs Service to learn from the expertise of the Police Force in areas such as investigation and other operational strategies through coordinated capacity-building programs.
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Recognizing the interconnected nature of criminal activities, the CGC emphasized the need for the two agencies to collaborate closely in order to combat smuggling and generate revenue for the nation. He proposed the establishment of a strong relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force, with a focus on intelligence sharing for a common goal in the fight against criminals. He also highlighted the proliferation of checkpoints along the Mile 2 to Seme Border route and suggested the possibility of rationalizing them.
In response, the Acting IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the CGC for his visit and expressed his readiness to establish a solid working bond with the Nigeria Customs Service. He congratulated the CGC on his appointment and acknowledged his efforts in re-branding the Service, which have been recognized and appreciated by Nigerians. The IGP emphasized the shared vision of the Nigeria Police Force to collaborate with other security agencies and expressed the importance of establishing a platform for interaction, intelligence sharing, and leveraging on different areas of expertise.
Agreeing with the CGC’s concern about the checkpoints along the Mile 2 to Seme axis, the Acting IGP proposed a joint tour of the area and assured the CGC that he would also make unscheduled visits to the affected roads. He promised to dismantle illegal checkpoints and affirmed his commitment to forming a strong synergy to fight against criminals in strategic locations.
In conclusion, the visit serves as a significant step towards fostering a closer relationship and partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force. With a shared determination to enhance security and combat
