The Assistant Controller General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, Aminu Dahiru..has condemned the recent attack against some Customs outposts where Officers were seriously injured.
While blaming the act of running away by other colleagues, leaving the injured officers at the mercy of attackers, he urged Customs officers to always stand by their colleagues in times of distress.
Aminu Dahiru..who made. this known earlier today during his mid year tour of all Customs formations under his zone said the duties of Customs officers comes with risks which requires the use of arms, such attacks by lawless persons suspected to be smugglers should be prevented and jointly repelled whenever it occurs.
ACG Dahiru explained that the visit is intended to interact with Officers of various cadres and assignments on the field with a view to bringing management functions closer to them and improve on the degree of supervision.
“I don’t want to sit as an arm chair coordinator that doesn’t move to see his men on the field.
“Never abandon your colleague in the hands of attackers. I am not encouraging reckless use of arms, but whenever your life and service is at risks, you may use it.
“It was members of the host communities that rescued an attacked Customs officer whose story was spreading on social media. This is our responsibility.
“Let us imbibe the team spirit in our anti smuggling and other operations. Every victory achieved by any team is the handiwork of all team members.
” Increased team work will boost our performance and minimize casualties on our part. Our Controller General, Col. Hameed Ali is very much concerned about officers welfare. Something will be done”
Ali commended operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A for their commendable anti smuggling feats and Ikorodu Lighter Terminal Command for their vigilance in ensuring safety of all containers under their watch.
Uba Mohammed, Controller FOU promised to bring any patrol leader that abandons his men in distress to book in line with the ACG directive.
Comptroller Jammal Adediran of Ikorodu Lighter Terminal Command disclosed that there has been a decline in the number of containers moved to the terminal from ports of landing making activities to be at low spade. .
He however disclosed that 1700 containers were stemmed to the command in 2014; 235 in 2015; 210 in 2016; 44 in 2017 and 29 between January and June 2018
