Customs Chief Solicits Support of Traditional Rulers To Curb Smuggling, Other Crimes

The Customs Area Comptroller, Kwara Command, Comptroller H. B. Ahmed fsi on Wednesday visited Bukuro axis of Baruten Local Government area of Kwara State as part of measures to sensitize border communities of dangers of smuggling into the Country,

At the palace of District of Bukuro, Compt. Ahmed said it has become imperative to visit traditional institutions as he acknowledged the critical role the traditional institutions/rulers can play especially in the areas of sensitization and enlightenment of their subjects, critical Stakeholders and society at large.

The Comptrroller pleaded that the enlightenment campaigns on smuggling activities should be intensified, as most of those who engage in smuggling never see it as a crime.

The Customs Area Comptroller emphasized that we cannot afford to rest on our oars particularly at this critical time of our National life as the myriad of irregular migration and trans-border crimes such as smuggling of small arms and light weapons, human trafficking, drugs trafficking and terrorism among others are on the rise and must be tackled headlong.

In his response, the District Head of Bukuro Mal. Aliyu Issa Woru (Suno Gofe of Bukuro) made it known that this is the first time a Comptroller of Customs would visit his domain and seek for synergy in sensitizing his community.

The District head pledged to do whatever it takes to support the Customs to succeed, as smuggling is never a good thing to be encouraged.

The Comptroller also engaged other security agencies like Benin Republic Customs, Nigeria Immigration, Nigeria Police Force, among others in Joint Border Patrol Team and others.

He, however, stressed the importance of synergy and collaboration amongst security agencies adding that no organization can work in isolation and succeed.

Edited by Felix Ajide

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