Comptroller Peters dares smugglers on sea .Leads 8 hours operations on waterways .Harps on use of intelligence

Comptroller Peters dares smugglers on sea

.Leads 8 hours operations on waterways

.Harps on use of intelligence

By Udeme Clement

The water was so fearful to look at, the lonely terrain dangerous but the new Customs Area Controller, CAC, of Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Comptroller Olugboyega Peters, bravely stepped into the boat, daring die-hard smugglers, as he led his team on operations through the waterways.

Our correspondent observed with great astonishment that Comptroller Peters was the first person to enter the speed boat, as his men jumped in one after another, fastening their life jackets like combatant solders ready for battle.

The assignment, which began in the early hours yesterday was indeed tasking. It lasted over eight hours on water and another four hours on land, as the courageous CAC and his fearless-looking operatives sent strong warning signal to smugglers on waterways.

Our correspondent also observed that the assignment on water was well coordinated, as Comptroller Peters stopped at strategic spots, where he accessed the Command’s outstations through the waterways.  The modus operandi further showed that the CAC had carefully thought-out his strategies before leading his team to that dangerous terrain.

Addressing his officers at Badagry outstation, the CAC harped on use of intelligence, stressing that hard time await smugglers on sea.

He asserted, “We must use intelligence to thwart the antics of economic saboteurs within the creeks and waterways. The Customs Management is doing a lot in equipping us to face the job”.

Speaking further, fearless Comptroller Peters commended his officers for their assiduousness in stepping up patrol surveillance on waterways.  He urged his operatives to double their effort, as the Command under his watch will leave no stone unturned in curbing illicit trade to promote economic growth and development.

While the assignment was still on, the team accessed ‘Point-of-no-return’, a significant place in the history of Nigerian nation. Other strategic locations, as well as outstations visited by Comptroller Peters include Ere, Idiroko, Gbaji, Badagry, Adodo,

At Badagry outstation, the Command made seizures of foreign rice and poultry products.

During that assignment, Comptroller Peter courageously visited Adodo axis within Idiroko, where he stopped and addressed his officers, urging them to be vigilant and alert.  Adodo is a place notorious for smuggling contraband into the country.  It is a hideout used by dreaded smugglers at Idiroko to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

In fact, it was a daunting task indeed.  After eight hours of patrol on water, the assignment continued on land. At that point, the CAC inspected the Command’s unit at Ijofin community and addressed officers on the need to ensure the right decorum at all times.

That was not all. Comptroller Peters also visited HRM, Oba Moruf Ayinla Awode of Ijofin Kingdom, where he sought his support in the fight against smuggling. From there, the CAC moved to Western Marine formation at Idopetu and another sub-station located within Idiroko, near the border of Benin Republic.

The assignment ended yesterday at Ogun Area-1 Command, where the CAC had a close-door meeting with Comptroller Michael Agbara.

More so, the Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Command,  Mr Tangwa, who stood side-by-side Comptroller Peters throughout the assignment described the CAC as hardworking, courageous and highly experienced Officer of the Service.

His words, “Comptroller Peters has served Customs in various capacities. He has worked at different Commands across the country. He is a Lawyer by profession and above all, a competent Officer.