Customs Seeks Police, Monarch Support Against Smuggling

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has solicited the support of the Nigeria Police and Paramount ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, against smuggling in the state.

The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone A, Compt Kolawole Oladeji, sought this support when he paid a courtesy visit on the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta and the monarch in his palace in Ilaro, Ogun State.

Compt. Oladeji explained to the Police CP that the visit was strategic to Customs operations as most of the border areas had been benefiting from the cordial working relationship between both agencies.

He described the synergy between the police and customs operatives in the state as superb, saying, “I felt the need to familiarise with you because of the peace and tranquility that pervades this area; to thank you for the assistance of the Nigeria Police because each time we had an issue, they are always the first port of call.”

Responding, the CP said the visit was a testament to the strong synergy and partnership that has been existing between the two security agencies, especially in the efforts to ensure that there is peace and security in the country.

“I want to reassure you that the Ogun State Command is strongly in tune with the Nigeria Customs service. We have been working collaboratively to succeed in ensuring that there is peace and security in the state,” Alamutu stated.

Meanwhile, the Customs CAC, at the palace of the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle described Ilaro as very crucial to the success of his job being a very large city close to the border areas.

He, however, told the monarch that the team was in his palace on a courtesy call and to receive his blessings following his recent resumption of duty at the unit.

On his part, Oba Olugbenle commended the gradual return of professionalism to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) since the coming of the new Controller-General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, and urged the NCS to remain focused and not allow their profession to be messed up again.