Customs pledges to combat illegal importation
Nigeria Customs Service has promised to combat illegal importation of arms and ammunition ahead of 2027 elections. Deputy Comptroller, Oladapo Afeni, the acting area controller in Ogun 1 Area Command,
Nigeria Customs Service has promised to combat illegal importation of arms and ammunition ahead of 2027 elections.
Deputy Comptroller, Oladapo Afeni, the acting area controller in Ogun 1 Area Command, spoke during a visit to Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Onilaro of Ilaro land in Ogun State.
The visit centred on implementation of pre-election measures to eliminate movement of small arms, light weapons and illicit narcotics through land borders in Ogun State.
Afeni said the proximity of Yewaland to international frontiers made the community a vital partner in security.
“Our borders must not become gateways for elements seeking to destabilise our democratic process.
“As we approach the elections, Nigeria Customs Service is intensifying its zero tolerance policy on the smuggling of dangerous goods.
Read Also: Dangote seeks government-private sector action against malaria
“We are here to seek the royal blessing and the cooperation of the community to ensure our land borders remain hostile to smugglers and traffickers,” he said.
Afeni outlined proactive steps being taken by the command to secure the border corridors.
“These include establishing direct communication channels between border community leaders, increased visibility and 24-hour surveillance of known smugglers’ routes and unapproved crossings.
“Finally, rigorous inspection of transit goods to prevent the concealment of lethal items,” he said.
Oba Olugbenle hailed Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive stance.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Yewa people to maintaining peace and order, noting security is a collective responsibility.
“The throne will continue to sensitise our youths and residents against aiding or abetting any form of illegal trade
“We want an election that is free of violence, and that starts with ensuring weapons do not find their ways into the hands of unscrupulous individuals,” he said.
The Customs Area Controller also paid a strategic border visit to Onihumbe of Ohunbe, Olu of Owode and Obele Frontier.
The controller’s first stop was the palace of the Onihumbe of Ohumbe, Oba Adekola Oladokun, followed by a visit to the Olu of Owode, Oba Mathew Akindele.
During these visits, the controller says national security is a collective responsibility.
He thanked the monarchs for their continued role in maintaining peace and urged them to sensitise their subjects, particularly the youth against the dangers of smuggling.
