The Nigerian Army has said it would partner the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen border security and initiate modules to aid its Non-Kinetic line of operations. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja made the disclosure today Monday 11 September 2023, when he played host in separate meetings, to the Acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Basir Adeniyi and Director General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The COAS, appreciated the existing cordial relationship between the NA and NCS and lauded the NCS for securing Nigeria’s borders, adding that the collaborative efforts between the two organizations are crucial to effective border control and combating illegal activities.
The Army Chief declared the readiness of the NA to support the service in the area of joint training and operations to effectively curtail illegal cross-border activities, emphasizing that the NA will interface to bring the NCS on board in the conduct of NA exercises.
The COAS also pledged to support the humanitarian effort of the service during distribution of relief items to Internally Displaced Persons and other emergency situations.
Speaking during the visit, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, who felicitated with the COAS on his appointment, pointed out, that NCS is mandated to enforce government fiscal policy, enhance public safety and foster law and order.
The Acting CGC stated further, that considering the dynamic nature of contemporary security challenges, the Nigerian Customs is soliciting joint operational engagements, that will provide for a formidable force in synergy with the NA, against hostile criminal activities, such as terrorists illicit activities at the border communities.
The Acting CGS canvassed for the escalation of synergy in joint operational engagements, particularly to tackle the menace of hostile criminal cross border activities in border communities and dare devil smugglers, who try to overrun NCS Operatives while performing their functions. He stressed that such collaboration will shore up the capacity of NCS personnel to mitigate security challenges at the border areas.
In another development, the COAS also received in audience the Director General (DG) National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Professor Ayo Omotayo and the management team of the Institute.
The COAS, who appreciated the contributions of NIPSS towards expanding the strategic manpower development and knowledge base of the NA, noted that the institute’s effort has impacted in no small measure on national development.
Gen Lagbaja, while applauding NIPSS’ peace-building efforts, disclosed that the Nigerian Army Resource Centre will partner with NIPSS to develop full modules for its Non-Kinetic line of operations, towards overcoming the current security challenges and restoring peace and security in the country. The Army Chief asserted that the NA is employing the whole-of-society approach in her effort to resolutely combat the nation’s security challenges.
In his remarks, Professor Ayo Omotayo stated that the NA has been a very supportive agency to the National Institute and recognized the critical role the NA is playing in defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, through the conduct of Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East, North West and Internal security operations in other troubled parts of the country. The DG urged the government to further support the NA, maintaining, that nothing can be achieved as a nation, without peace and security.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
11 September 2023