By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW, DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, Rtd, mni, PhD, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, for its commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, ASC I A.A. Zakariya, anipr, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command.
DIG Kokumo made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller, Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Mohammed Sani Umar, mni, at the Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
He acknowledged the strategic role of the NCS in securing the nation’s borders and preventing the illegal movement of arms, ammunition and other prohibited items. He described the Service as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s security architecture and a dependable partner in the fight against transnational crimes.
The NCCSALW boss emphasized the need for enhanced inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building and joint operations to address the growing threats posed by the illicit circulation of weapons.
He also expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his support for inter-agency collaboration. He noted that the CGC’s leadership has fostered synergy among security and law enforcement agencies.
DIG Kokumo assured the Command of the Centre’s commitment to strengthening partnership with the NCS through sustained collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, information sharing and joint initiatives to prevent illegal trafficking of arms and ammunition.
In his response, Comptroller Umar appreciated the Director General and his delegation for the visit. He reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the National Centre in promoting national security.
He reiterated the NCS commitment to enforcing government policies, protecting the nation’s borders and supporting lawful initiatives aimed at curbing the proliferation of illicit weapons.
The CAC said the Niger/Kogi Area Command would continue to strengthen operational strategies, enhance intelligence gathering and maintain synergy with relevant stakeholders and sister agencies for efficient border management.
He also conveyed the appreciation of officers and men of the Command to the CGC for his visionary leadership and efforts in repositioning the Service for greater efficiency and collaboration.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore practical measures for deepening cooperation in intelligence gathering, information sharing, capacity development and coordinated enforcement.
The engagement ended with a renewed commitment by NCCSALW and the NCS to work closely towards achieving a safer Nigeria through effective arms control, strengthened border security and sustained inter-agency collaboration.
