Customs Equips Officers With Life-Saving First Aid Skills, Enhances Emergency Response Capacity

Customs Equips Officers With Life-Saving First Aid Skills, Enhances Emergency Response Capacity

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Area Command has concluded a comprehensive first aid training programme designed to equip officers with essential life saving skills needed to handle emergencies while on duty. The training was held on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at the Command’s auditorium.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Robert Ofordum, on Thursday, 27 November 2025, the exercise was described as a strategic step aimed at strengthening the Command’s emergency response capacity and ensuring the safety of personnel during operational duties.

The intensive programme, facilitated by the NCS First Aid Training Team led by Customs Comptroller Roland Nwankwo, featured both theoretical sessions and hands on practical demonstrations. Participants were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), management of bleeding and fractures, treatment of burns, handling choking incidents, and the application of the recovery position which requires key skills for effective first response when medical assistance is delayed.

Speaking during the opening session, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Favour Bodunde, described the training as timely, impactful, and aligned with the operational realities of the Command. She reaffirmed the Comptroller-General of Customs’ commitment to continuous capacity building across formations nationwide.

“Beyond our core mandates of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and anti-smuggling operations, it is crucial that our personnel are adequately prepared to respond to emergencies,” Comptroller Bodunde said. “This training strengthens our ability to safeguard not only ourselves but also the communities we serve.”

She commended the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained investment in initiatives that enhance officer readiness, reinforce safety consciousness and promote professional excellence across the Service.