The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has solicited the support of security agencies and traditional rulers to curb smuggling and other economic crimes in border communities.
A statement on Friday by the command’s spokesman, Mr Hammed Oloyede, quotes the new Customs Area Comptroller, Mr James Ojo, as making the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo in Abeokuta.
Ojo said that the visit was to foster sustainable collaboration and synergy to enhance economic growth and security along Nigeria’s border with the Republic of Benin through intelligence sharing and collaborative anti-smuggling operations.
He expressed deep appreciation to traditional rulers for their unwavering support to the service and emphasised the crucial role they play in maintaining peace, order, and security within their communities.
The comptroller highlighted the importance of leveraging the traditional institutions’ influence and insights to enhance border security and combat smuggling activities effectively.
The statement said that the comptroller also visited heads of other security agencies to underscore the need for continuous and robust collaboration among security agencies.
The sister security agencies visited included the Nigerian Police Force, 35 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Nigeria Correctional Service among others
Ojo said that the purpose of his visit to the heads of the security agencies was to extend hands of fellowship to them and to solicit their cooperation to tackle the challenges posed by smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
“Also, by sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies can create a formidable front against those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and national security,” he said
The Customs boss emphasised the strategic importance of Ogun State’s border with the Republic of Benin, and the need for a united front in combating smuggling and other economic crimes.
Ojo expressed optimism about the positive outcome of his visit which would strengthen the relationships with traditional rulers and security agencies.
