Customs Inaugurates ‘Operation Cinnaka’

…As FOU, Ikeja Losses 2 Officers To Anti-smuggling
Apparently jolted by the recent attempt to smuggle 13 Containers load of deadly weapons into the country through the nation’s premier port, Apapa port, the Nigeria Customs Service last week constituted a crack team of anti-smuggling officers to ensure that all the nation’s entry points are fortified against importation of questionable items.  
Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde disclosed last week in Abuja that the service was conscious of the possibility of a repeat performance of the controversial importation of the deadly items and has step up its efforts to ensure tighter security  at all the nation’s entry points ahead of the 2011 general elections.
The development coincided with the announcement that the Service;’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU) in Ikeja, Lagos lost two of its officers during an attack by smugglers along the notorious Ajilete border area   in Ogun State.
Disclosing the identities of the slain officers as: Olafusi.  J, an Assistant Senior Comptroller [ASC] and Olalere. I, a Senior Inspection Comptroller [SIC], the Comptroller FOU, Mr Dede Kane said that the duo died in active service for the nation. He gave no further details.
And to strengthen the resolve to tackle smuggling head-on,  Dikko disclosed last week that a Crack Team of Anti-Smuggling Operatives that is  “well equipped with helicopters, bullet proof patrol vehicles, boats and all the arms they need to ensure total blockade, Air, Land and Water making it impossible for illicit traders to succeed” has been established..
The team which is code-named ‘Operation Cinnaka’ will, according to him,  “not give preference to anybody, as long as you flaunt the laws, we will sting you whether you are a friend or a foe.”
To perform effectively, the team has at its disposal, two  helicopters, five bullet- proof patrol vehicles and 40 Hilux jeeps and a “strong arsenal of arms and ammunition”, he added.
To those who may want to continue in the illicit trade, the Customs boss said: “that we have the might and the Government support to crush and bring this emerging high level crime to a halt.”  
And confirming the package of incentives, Controller FOU disclosed that “the Federal Operations Unit does not lack in all aspect of logistics needed for optimum performance as the outfit took delivery of 30] brand new Toyota Hilux vehicles for patrol and other official duties.
 ‘’All officers are currently highly motivated to carry out our statutory  function in the service of our dear Nation Nigeria .The reward of  success is more hard work and we are ready to work harder with God on our side’’, he assured.