Customs Seeks Collaboration of Traditional Rulers Against Smuggling

Customs Seeks Collaboration of Traditional Rulers Against Smuggling

The Zonal Coordinator of Zone B Kaduna, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Sambo Dangaladima, has called for greater collaboration with traditional rulers and stakeholders to tackle smuggling and related border crimes.

In a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Bello Isa, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the command, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Abba-Aji Idris, dated 30 September 2024, it was noted that during his recent visit to the Katsina Area Command, ACG Dangaladima stressed the importance of intensifying border surveillance to curb the influx of small arms, light weapons, and contraband goods into the country.

ACG Dangaladima highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) ongoing efforts to address economic sabotage and other criminal activities at the borders.

“We are dedicated to securing our borders, preventing the entry of contraband goods, and curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” he said.

The ACG urged officers of the command to remain committed to their duties while assuring them of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ commitment to improving their welfare.

In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abba-Aji Idris, expressed gratitude to ACG Dangaladima and his entourage for the visit.

As part of his visit, ACG Dangaladima paid courtesy calls to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Usman, and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar. He sought their cooperation in raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling and other transborder crimes.

The traditional rulers expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged their full support to the NCS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.

During the visit, the ACG also met with Customs clearing agents, urging them to maintain high standards of integrity in their operations and avoid actions that could harm relations with the NCS. He emphasized the importance of understanding the nation’s security situation and practicing “Know Your Customer” (KYC) principles.

Responding on behalf of the clearing agents, Hamza Sale, Chairman of the Association of Customs Licensed Agents for Northwest Nigeria, expressed gratitude for the engagement and vowed to uphold the integrity of their association, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the nation at large.

The Customs Area Controller of Kaduna, Comptroller Abe Tijjani, and other senior officers from the zone were part of the Zonal Coordinator’s entourage.