Compt Ojeifo strengthens working synergy with Army, Police, Immigration, DSS, NDLEA, others 

Compt Ojeifo strengthens working synergy with Army, Police, Immigration, DSS, NDLEA, others 

…Identifies with traditional institutions in Kwara State

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command is poised for greater productivity, as the Command is strengthening the existing working collaboration with Nigerian Army, Police and other security agencies within its area of responsibility.

This latest collaborative strategy is the initiative of the newly posted Customs Area Controller, CAC, of Kwara Command, Compt. Faith Matthew Ojeifo, who is bringing fresh impetus to bear in activities of the formation.

To achieve this strategic synergy, Compt Ojeifo, has already paid a working visit to Nigerian Army, the Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS, NDLEA and other security agencies in Kwara State to strengthen the existing synergy among security agencies in Kwara State.

Speaking at the Headquarters of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Sobi Cantonment Ilorin, the Area Controller solicited for the cooperation of sobi Cantonment in curbing trans-border crimes in the State.

According to the CAC, the Army and Nigeria Customs Service from time immemorial have been working hand-in-hand in areas of border management, intelligence sharing and capacity building.

The CAC highlighted the recent collaboration with Nigerian Army while stating his intention to further cement the existing relationship.

His words : “For us in Customs and indeed all other members of the Security Agencies, our task in this part of the country is critical. We have a collective mandate to safeguard national security”.

The Area Controller on behalf of Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and NCS management staff sympathised with the Nigerian Army over the recent killing of gallant officers in Delta State.

He described the attack as barbaric and prays for the souls of the affected officers.

Responding, Brigadier-General AA Babalola, said the Nigerian Army will continue to work assiduously with NCS in tackling trans-border crimes, banditry and other security challenges in the State.

At the State Police Command, Director DSS and other security agencies the Controller visited, reaffirmed Customs determination and commitment to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force, State Security Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA and other security agencies to curb cross-border crimes, especially dangerous drugs like marijuana, smuggling of small arms and light weapons into the State.

“It is because of the synergy that people are attesting that security has improved greatly in Kwara State. The synergy should not only be visiting one another but let it go down to  other ranks, Compt. Ojeifo added

In their separate responses, they all assured that they are ever-ready to work with the Controller to succeed in his responsibilities of trade facilitation, revenue generation and Anti-smuggling activities in the state without compromising National security. They reiterated the need for all agencies to remain focused and committed towards securing the State to make it free from prohibited items.

During interactive sessions with all the agencies visited, they assured the CAC of maximum cooperation and partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service towards effective security. He noted that the already established working relationship that exists among the Police, Army, DSS, NIS, NDLEA and NCS is such that cannot be erased or tampered with, as all gave assurances for stronger working relationship with NCS.

Similarly, Compt Ojeifo also visited the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, CFR, at his Palace in Ilorin.

During the visit, the CAC introduced himself to the Emir as the newly posted Controller of Customs, Kwara Command and sought the royal blessings of his Royal Highness to succeed in his responsibilities as he navigates the challenges ascribed to his office

While welcoming the Controller in his palace, the Emir thanked him for finding time to visit him and appreciated him for identifying with traditional institution, as one of the important institutions to reckon with.