The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, advocated for a strategic collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the armed forces in the fight against smuggling during a significant meeting at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
In the meeting held on Thursday, CGC Adeniyi praised the existing collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the armed forces, emphasizing its crucial role in national security. Recognizing global challenges, he reiterated the Customs Service’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and consultations, emphasizing that unity strengthens the nation.
Reflecting on past collaborations with the Defense Headquarters, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the support received in capacity building, joint operations, and training exercises. He expressed dedication to exploring innovative solutions to challenges, leveraging technology, and working closely with other government agencies.
The Comptroller-General proposed an intensified joint exercise between the Customs Service and the military, suggesting unannounced frequent operations to act as a deterrent to criminals. He emphasized the importance of shared experiences in training to facilitate a better understanding of operational contexts.
CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the support provided by the armed forces in various operations, particularly in civil-military cooperation initiatives. He underscored the significance of information sharing and the need for collaborative efforts to address porous borders and challenges posed by non-state actors.
Assuring the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, of the Customs Service’s continued support, CGC Adeniyi stressed the prioritization of clearing military consignments and participation in training programs. He affirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to national security, proposing ongoing cooperation, dialogue, and joint exercises to ensure a collective and effective response to evolving security threats.
In response, General Musa expressed gratitude for the critical role played by the Nigeria Customs Service in the nation’s security landscape. He highlighted the indispensable nature of the Customs Service, stating that without their contribution, the country’s defense efforts would be severely compromised. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the country, particularly in the global economic downturn, he stressed the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling non-state actors and securing the nation. General Musa emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration, training, and information sharing between the armed forces and customs.
