Nigeria Customs Service Bolsters Efforts Against Small Arms Proliferation with Renewed Commitment to Security
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing national security by intensifying surveillance and strict enforcement measures to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country.
This declaration was made on Tuesday during a meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and a delegation from the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) led by its National Coordinator, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Babatunde Kokumo.
Speaking at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja, CGC Adeniyi praised the appointment of Kokumo by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, describing it as “placing a round peg in a round hole.”
He expressed readiness to reinforce their longstanding partnership to enhance public safety and security through advocacy and effective public awareness campaigns.
“I want to believe that you’ve brought a wealth of experience to this assignment, and I have no doubt that you will have a successful tour of duty. Nigeria Customs Service is delighted to collaborate with the centre to fulfill your mandate,” Adeniyi said.
Adeniyi highlighted the ongoing security challenges in the West African sub-region and outlined the NCS’s efforts to scrutinize merchandise entering Nigeria to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
He cited recent successful interceptions of arms and military wares at Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos and similar seizures in Port Harcourt and Tincan Ports earlier this year.
“We recorded a successful interception of arms and other military wares at Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos. This, along with previous seizures, demonstrates the power of collaboration.
“As a Service, we are keen to learn from these incidents and improve our investigations to counteract those bringing in small arms and light weapons, as well as encountering smugglers daily,” Adeniyi noted.
In response, retired DIG Babatunde Kokumo expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration from the NCS. “Let me thank you for the opportunity afforded us to meet you, and I wish to let you know that we have been monitoring your activities,” Kokumo said.
He further briefed Adeniyi on the NCCSALW’s multi-agency efforts, which include the participation of customs officers in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Kokumo also commended the Comptroller-General for the recent achievements in seizing arms and ammunition, which he said would significantly aid in controlling the spread of these weapons in Nigeria.
The meeting highlights the importance of continued collaboration and shared commitment between agencies in promoting national security and stability.
