The World Customs Organisation (WCO), in partnership with the German Federation, has successfully conducted a five-day training on small arms and light weapons detection for Nigeria Customs Service officers and the Nigerian Police Force.
The training, which was held between 16 to 20 September 2024 at the Old Secretariat, Garki, Abuja, aimed to strengthen the skills of 25 Customs officers alongside two personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Army in arms detection and security protocols.
The capacity-building workshop was officially opened by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Strategy, Research, and Policy, Sulaiman Chiroma, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
In his remarks, ACG Chiroma expressed confidence that the training would significantly enhance the participants’ capacity to detect illegal arms, a crucial element in the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) ongoing efforts to prevent the smuggling of weapons into the country.
“This training has gone beyond what we see today. It’s not just about small arms and light weapons for Nigeria Customs Service personnel, but a national initiative, evidenced by the involvement of other agencies,” ACG Chiroma stated.
He emphasised that the training forms part of the broader West African Security Project (WASP), which involves collaboration with other West African nations due to shared borders and common security concerns.
ACG Chiroma also commended the WCO and the German Federation for their continuous support in organising such training programmes, which are essential in boosting the effectiveness of Customs officers.
He urged participants to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice, adding “You have learned the terminologies of arms detection, and the challenge now is to apply and expand upon what you have learned. To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Furthermore, ACG Chiroma encouraged the officers to transfer the knowledge gained during the training to their colleagues in their respective commands.
He said, “The facilitators and resource persons have provided you with invaluable insight. Now, it’s your responsibility to ensure that this knowledge doesn’t remain with you alone but is passed on to others in your field.”
He also stated that participants underwent training in several critical areas, including the detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), understanding cultural chemicals, and mastering the techniques and tactics required to combat insecurity within the West African subregion.
He added, “This holistic approach to security training is expected to bolster the fight against illegal arms trafficking across the region.”
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to apply their enhanced skills in curtailing the influx of illegal arms, while contributing to the broader national and regional security agenda.
