The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Katsina State Council, have renewed their commitment to closer collaboration to tackle smuggling and promote public enlightenment across border communities.
The renewed partnership was the highlight of a courtesy visit by the newly elected NUJ leadership to the Katsina Area Command of the NCS on Thursday.
Receiving the delegation, the Area Comptroller, Mohammed Sa’id, described journalists as critical stakeholders in national development, public sensitisation, and security awareness.
Sa’id commended the cordial relationship between the command and journalists in the state and congratulated the new NUJ executives on their election.
He assured the union of the command’s continued support in advancing public awareness of customs operations and anti-smuggling activities.
“The Nigeria Customs Service recognises the media as strategic partners in information dissemination, public sensitisation, and nation-building,” Sa’id said.
He disclosed that the command maintains strict discipline among its personnel, particularly in the handling and use of firearms during operations.
According to him, officers are regularly sensitised through routine parades and internal briefings on professionalism, restraint, and responsible conduct during anti-smuggling and border security duties.
“We always preach caution in the use of firearms. Not every situation requires weapons.
“Our men have been properly guided, and, with the help of Allah, we have not recorded incidents of unlawful shootings or killings,” he stated.
The comptroller also announced plans to hold a workshop for journalists on customs regulations, border operations, and anti-smuggling activities to improve public understanding and ensure accurate reporting.
Earlier, NUJ Katsina Chairman, Aminu Garba-Dandagoro, said the visit aimed to strengthen the longstanding relationship between journalists and the NCS in the state.
He commended the service for its role in combating smuggling and safeguarding border communities across Katsina State.
“The NUJ recognises the vital contributions of the service, especially in anti-smuggling operations and border surveillance,” Garba-Dandagoro said.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professionalism and constructive engagement with public institutions to promote societal development and security awareness.
The chairman also stressed the need for capacity-building workshops for journalists on customs laws, import regulations, and border operations.
Also speaking, former NCS Comptroller and District Head of Ketare in Kankara Local Government Area, Usman Bello-Kankara, urged the command to sustain close cooperation with the media.
Bello-Kankara, who is also the NUJ Patron, noted that effective public communication remains essential to the success of customs operations and anti-smuggling campaigns.
