Ogun 1 Customs strengthens community/ interagency collaboration, visits monarchs, police, army, others

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

In clearcut sustenance of the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs on consolidation, collaboration, and innovation, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Ogun 1 Area Command Comptroller James Ojo has paid a courtesy visit to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR.

Furthering his hands-on qualities to play, Ojo visited other border communities as well as sister agencies as police, army, FRSC and others with the message of collaboration for a better and prosperous nation.

In a release made available to Nation Update  by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede the strategic visit is aimed at fostering sustainable collaboration to enhance economic growth and security along Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin through intelligence sharing and collaborative anti-smuggling operations.

Comptroller Ojo he said expressed deep appreciation to the Alake and other revered traditional rulers in the state for their unwavering support and emphasized the crucial role they play in maintaining peace, order, and security within their communities.

”Comptroller Ojo highlighted the importance of leveraging the traditional institutions’ influence and insights to enhance border security and combat smuggling activities effectively.

“His visit also included fruitful discussions with sister security agencies in Ogun State. These engagements underscored the need for continuous and robust collaboration among security agencies to address the challenges posed by smuggling and other cross-border crimes. By sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies can create a formidable front against those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and national security”

The image maker further explained that the courtesy visit aimed at upholding the policy thrust of the CG of Customs on principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation order to secure the nation’s border and boost economic growth.

He stated, ”Comptroller Ojo reiterated the commitment of the Ogun I Area Command to these principles, noting that such engagements are crucial for fostering a secure and prosperous environment for the people of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

” He also acknowledged the strategic importance of Ogun State’s borders with the Republic of Benin and the need for a united front in combating smuggling and other economic crimes.

Comptroller Ojo assured that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies, will continue to implement intelligent and innovative strategies to safeguard the nation’s borders and promote economic growth.

The sister security agencies visited according to PRO Oloyode include the Nigerian Police Force, 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Nigeria Correctional Service, amongst others.

He expressed delight on the warmest reception the controller and his team received during the visit at the agencies visited.

”The responses from all the critical stakeholders visited were positive and impressive. The CAC was assured of continuous support and collaboration with Ogun I Area Command and was accorded a warm reception throughout his visit.”

In his concluding remarks, Oloyede stated that Comptroller Ojo expressed optimism about the positive outcomes of the visit and the strengthened relationships with traditional rulers and security agencies.

”Comptroller Ojo called for ongoing cooperation, vigilance, and commitment in tackling the challenges ahead. He affirmed of the dedication to work in the spirit of unity and shared purpose to achieve their collective goals.” he emphasised.