Customs, NCCSALW strengthen ties to tackle small arms trafficking (Pictures)

August 7, 2024

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Customs, NCCSALW strengthen ties to tackle small arms trafficking (Pictures)

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and enforcement measures to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.

On Tuesday, 6 August 2024, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi expressed this resolve during a meeting with a delegation from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), led by its National Coordinator, DIG Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja.

CGC Adeniyi commended the appointment of DIG Kokumo by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, describing it as “placing a round peg in a round hole.” He remarked, “I want to believe that you’ve brought a wealth of experience to this assignment, and I have no doubt that you will have a successful tour of duty. Let me also say that Nigeria Customs Service is delighted to collaborate with the centre to create your mandate.”

Addressing the current security challenges in the West African sub-region, Adeniyi highlighted the significant role of the NCS in scrutinising merchandise entering Nigeria to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands.

“You remember that some few days ago, we recorded a successful interception of arms and other military wares at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. If you may recall, we’ve also had some similar seizures before in Port Harcourt Port, Onne. Earlier this year, we had some interception at the Tincan Ports with drugs,” he stated.

Adeniyi underscored the power of collaboration in these efforts, saying, “As a Service, we are interested in the lessons we should learn from these seizures. There’s a need to improve our investigations not just for those who bring in small arms and light weapons, but in encountering smugglers daily.”

DIG Babatunde Kokumo, in his address, appreciated the NCS for its collaboration and synergy. “Let me thank you for the opportunity accorded us to meet you, and I wish to let you know that we have been monitoring your activities,” he said.

Kokumo also noted the multi-agency composition of NCCSALW, which includes customs officers, and highlighted their collective efforts in combating the proliferation of small arms.

Kokumo praised the recent achievements of the NCS in seizing arms and ammunition, stating, “It may interest the CGC, Sir, that the centre, being multi-agency by nature, has major government agencies, including customs officers, working at the centre fighting the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”

The meeting underscored the shared commitment of both organisations to enhancing security and stability in Nigeria by preventing the spread of small arms and light weapons through strengthened collaboration and improved enforcement measures.

See pictures below: