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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it is forming alliance with the Nigerian Army , Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force and other security and intelligence agencies to curb terrorism, banditry and other trans-border security issues.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Alli stated this on Thursday in Lagos at the maiden edition of Port Industry Town Hall Meeting organised by JournalNg with the theme “Towards Hitch free Port Operation in Nigeria”.
The CG who was represented at the meeting by Deputy Controller Kikelomo Adeola, a Deputy Controller of Customs in charge of revenue at Tincan Island Port command of the service hinted that the service is not resting on its oars to curtail every form of trans-border insecurity.
According to the CG, the collaboration is to function in four geo-political zones and the synergy would be coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser.
He stated that “Nigeria Customs Service is partnering the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force as well as all security and intelligence agencies to conduct joint border security operations for quick response coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser in four geo-political areas.
“The South South, the South West, the North Central and the North West to promote inter agency collaboration and addressing trans-border security challenges such as terrorism, armed banditry, smuggling and proliferation of light arms and small weapons.
Earlier, the Service had acknowledged the efforts of the federal government in acquisition of scanners at the ports to facilitate trade in the ports.
Other stakeholders such as Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Kaduna Inland Dry Port; Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents etc also made various inputs.
