In line with its vision for the need to collaborate and partner with Government Agencies, private sector and law enforcement agencies, the newly posted Controller, Kwara Area Command, Compt. Faith Mathew Ojeifo had paid a courtesy visit to Nigerian Army (NA), Nigeria 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, Nigeria Army, Sobi cantonment Ilorin, the Controller solicited for the cooperation of the sobi cantonment in curbing transborder crimes in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by Public Relations Officer, Customs Area Controller, Kwara Area Command, Chador Zakari and made available to newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State on Friday
“The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service from time immemorial have been working in the areas of border management, intelligence sharing and capacity building. The Controller highlighted the recent collaboration with Nigeria Army while stating his intention to further cement the existing relationship.
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 ensure and enhance national security, he said.
The Controller also on behalf of Comptroller General of Customs Compt. AB Adeniyi MFR and NCS management staff sympathized with the Nigeria Army over the recent killing of a gallant troupe in Delta state. He describe the attack as barbaric and pray for the souls of the lost officers and soldiers
Responding, Brigadier-General AA Babalola said the Nigerian Army will continue to work assiduously with the 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 offices, the Controller reaffirmed NCS 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 the dangerous drugs like marijuana, smuggling of small arms and light weapons in the state.
“It is because of that synergy that people are attesting that security has improved greatly in Kwara State. The synergy should not only be visiting each other but let it go down to our 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 all reiterated the need for all agencies to remain focused and committed towards securing the state and making the state free of uncustomed goods.
During the 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 between the Police, Army, DSS, NIS, NDLEA and NCS is such that cannot be erased or tampered with and all gave assurances for stronger working relationship with NCS.
Similarly, Compt. FM Ojeifo also visited the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Sulu Gambari, CFR, at his Palace, Ilorin.
During the visit, the Customs Area Controller 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 responsibilities as he navigates the challenges ascribed to his office
While welcoming the Controller in his palace, the Emir thanked the Controller for finding time to visit him and appreciated him for identifying with traditional institutions as one of the important institutions to reckon with.
Finally, he assured the controller to feel at home as Kwara State is one of the most peaceful states in the country and called on members of the public to be vigilant and security conscious.
