Smuggling of nuclear materials : Customs unveils new strategies to tackle the menace

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Smuggling of nuclear materials : Customs unveils new strategies to tackle the menace

Group photograph taken during the programme

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed plans to embark on a Radiological and Nuclear Detection Programme, aimed at fortifying the nation’s security against smuggling of nuclear materials.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, announced this strategic initiative during the inauguration of a 4-Day Capacity Building Workshop, organised by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

Representing the CGC at the workshop, Assistant Comptroller General, ACG Malanta Yusuf highlighted the programme’s significance, expressing optimism that it would provide participants with the technical expertise needed to detect and combat illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.

This move, according to him, is expected to enhance cross-border security, exposing participants to operational challenges while fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles involved in this innovative approach.

He commended the concerted efforts of the Customs leadership, emphasising the commitment to innovation as a critical element in improving the Service’s overall performance.

He underscored the importance of training organised by the WCO, ensuring that officers benefit from cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

He said : “We are trying to make sure that such trainings organised by the World Customs Organisation benefits our Officers because clearly, the Comptroller-General has put too much effort into ensuring that innovation is one of the key elements”.

Addressing NCBN Correspondents, CSC Nafi’u Abubakar, the Nigeria Customs Service Radiation Safety Officer, praised the CGC’s decisive approval of Radiological and Nuclear Detection Programme (RANDA).

Abubakar highlighted the initiative’s rarity on a global scale, positioning Nigeria as one of the first countries to domestically implement this groundbreaking project.

He emphasized that the programme’s significance extends beyond its novelty, foreseeing substantial benefits for the NCS.

“The training was truly remarkable and its benefits will undoubtedly enhance the Nigeria Customs Service – and one of the pivotal roles it will play is that it will advance Customs capabilities,” affirmed CSC Nafi’u.

As the Customs Service gears up to tackle nuclear smuggling through cutting-edge techniques, the commendation from a seasoned expert like Dr. Sambo underscores the potential transformative effects of this strategic initiative.

Dr. Isa Sambo FSI, Director of Radiological Safety at the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, hailed the CGC’s timely training approval, recognising its potential to eliminate border crimes and enhance the nation’s capability to tackle emerging threats effectively.

He affirmed that “the move is poised to position Nigeria at the forefront of global efforts to secure borders against illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear materials.”

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