Customs CG urges strategic partnership with Army to tackle smuggling
At the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, held a pivotal meeting where he commended the combined efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and the armed forces, emphasising the crucial role of such partnerships in national security.
Amid recognising global challenges, CGC Adeniyi reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to cooperation, innovation, and consultations, stressing that unity strengthens the nation, stating, “We stand stronger when we work together.”
Reflecting on previous collaborations with the Defence Headquarters, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the support received in capacity building, joint operations, and training exercises.
He expressed the Customs Service’s dedication to exploring innovative solutions to challenges, utilising technology, and working closely with other government agencies.
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The CGC proposed an intensified joint exercise between the Customs Service and the military, suggesting unannounced frequent operations to demonstrate a show of force, acting as a deterrent to criminals.
Emphasising the importance of shared experiences in training to facilitate a better understanding of operational contexts, the CGC also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the armed forces in various operations, particularly in civil-military cooperation initiatives.
He stressed the significance of information sharing and the need for collaborative efforts to address porous borders and challenges posed by non-state actors.
Assuring the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, of the Customs Service’s continued support, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the prioritisation of clearing military consignments and participation in training programmes, affirming the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to national security through ongoing cooperation, dialogue, and joint exercises to ensure a collective and effective response to evolving security threats.
In his address, General Musa expressed gratitude for the critical role played by the Nigeria Customs Service in the nation’s security landscape. He highlighted the indispensable nature of the Customs Service, stating that without their contribution, the country’s defence efforts would be severely compromised.
He commended CGC Adeniyi for his leadership and dedication, emphasising the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing non-state actors and securing the nation while recognising the significant support received, particularly in civil-military cooperation initiatives and the need for enhanced collaboration, training, and information sharing between the armed forces and customs.
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