Anti-smuggling drive: 20 officers of Western Marine Customs on in-country training  …Operates 24 hours anti-bunkering patrol on creeks

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Anti-smuggling drive: 20 officers of Western Marine Customs on in-country training

 .Operates 24 hours anti-bunkering patrol on creeks

 By Udeme Clement

 Hard time awaits un-repentant smugglers operating within the creeks and waterways, as the Western Marine Command, WMC, of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, is raising its tempo of anti-smuggling operations to tackle illicit trade on waterways in the country.

Financial Business learnt that the Command is using capacity building, as one of the tools to keep its operatives up-to-date with the latest technique of curbing smuggling at the creeks.

Financial Business inquests revealed that 20 officers of the Command are currently under-going in-country training, aims at bringing fresh impetus to their operations within their area of coverage.

When contacted, the Customs Area Controller, CAC, of the Command, Comptroller Binga B. N. confirmed the training programme, saying that the officers are being trained to upscale their competences in carrying out their operations effectively.

Comptroller Binga said, “WMC is purely enforcement area combating smuggling along the waterways. The Command covers the waterways from the Western Nigeria up to Northern Nigeria.

“Also, WMC has anti-smuggling squad for quick

intervention along the waterways. The Command has a surveillance team patrolling the waterways.

“The Command has various outstations covering their domain, such as Idiroko, Badagry, Yekeme, Ijora, Bar-beach, Igbokoda and Kebbi. The Command also has an operation system that does not relent in getting the culprits arrested, searches the boats, persons and premises.

“It also ensures detention of seizures up to prosecution of suspects at the law court. The Command has a good working relationship with the Nigeria Navy in curbing smuggling at the waterways. The Command also has anti-bunkering jetty team running on 24 hours patrol along the creeks.

“The WMC carries out functions like checking and confirming documents through Asycuda, NICIS and risk management, which requires identifying, analysing, assessment and action taken when necessary”.

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