Customs seek Ogun traditional rulers’ support to tackle smuggling

The new Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, James Ojo, has underscored the support of traditional rulers and other security agencies towards ensuring a successful anti-smuggling campaign and enhancement of border security.

Ojo disclosed this during his visit to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and some other traditional rulers as well as other security formations in the state like the police, the Nigerian Army, the Correctional Centre, formerly the Nigerian Prisons Service, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Federal Road Safety Corps among others.

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In a statement made available to journalists on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Hammed Oloyede, the new Customs boss, during the familiarisation visit to Oba Gbadebo and other royal fathers, thanked the traditional rulers for their support towards defeating the criminals sabotaging the economy of the nation.

Ojo said, “I must emphasise the crucial role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, order, and security within their communities.

“The importance of leveraging on the traditional institutions’ influence and insights to enhance border security and combat smuggling activities effectively can therefore not be over emphasised.”

Oba Gbadebo, while commending the good jobs being done by the Nigeria Customs Service, promised that he and other traditional rulers would continue to support every effort of the Nigerian government to enhance security, peace and order.

During similar engagements with the security formations, Ojo underscored the need for continuous and robust collaboration among security agencies to address the challenges posed by smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

He said, “By sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies can create a formidable front against those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.”

The heads of the security formations visited reportedly pledged their renewed commitment to support the NCS in defeating smuggling and enhancing the country’s border security with the Republic of Benin.

The courtesy visit, according to the statement aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, who has emphasized the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.

Ojo reiterated the commitment of the Ogun I Area Command to these principles, noting that such engagements are crucial for fostering a secure and prosperous environment for the people of Ogun State and Nigeria at large