The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Army (NA) have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the spread of small arms and light weapons, a major threat to Nigeria’s national security.
During a familiarisation visit to the NCS’s Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Brigadier General Ahmed Muhammad Tukur, the Commander of the 3 Brigade, highlighted the restored partnership. The visit offered a chance to emphasise how crucial interagency collaboration is in combating the illicit arms trade and smuggling.
According to a statement issued on 27 November 2024, by Superintendent of Customs Saidu Nuruddeen, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana, stressed the need for synergy between security agencies to curb the proliferation of small arms.
He noted that such collaboration would not only enhance the government’s efforts to address security challenges but also foster a safer environment for Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, Brigadier General Tukur commended the customs service for its vital role in intercepting illicit arms and ammunition and pledged the Nigerian Army’s continued support to enhance the operational capacity of customs personnel.
He lauded the long-standing partnership between the two agencies, particularly in training and capacity-building initiatives, which have equipped customs officers with enhanced skills and career development opportunities.
Brigadier General Tukur acknowledged that the partnership reflects a unified front in the fight against smuggling and illegal arms trade. Emphasised that leveraging the resources and expertise of both the customs service and the military would bolster national efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders and communities.
According to him, this partnership would reaffirm the government’s steadfast dedication to thwarting security risks and protecting the country, delivering a powerful message about the effectiveness of teamwork in tackling common issues.
