The Nigerian Army has announced its intention to collaborate with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in order to bolster border security and implement strategies to support non-kinetic operations.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), made this announcement on Monday, September 11, 2023, during separate meetings held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The meetings were attended by Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and Professor Ayo Omotayo, the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, conveyed that the CoAS expressed his appreciation for the strong and cooperative relationship that existed between the Nigerian Army (NA) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
He commended the NCS for its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts between the two organizations in achieving effective border control and combating illicit activities.
The Army Chief declared the Nigerian Army’s readiness to provide support to the NCS through joint training and operations aimed at curbing illegal cross-border activities.
He emphasized the importance of involving the NCS in NA exercises.
Additionally, the CoAS pledged the Nigerian Army’s assistance in humanitarian endeavors, particularly in the distribution of relief items to Internally Displaced Persons and during other emergency situations.
During his visit, Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, extended his congratulations to the CoAS on his appointment.
He highlighted the NCS’s responsibilities, which included enforcing government fiscal policies, enhancing public safety, and maintaining law and order.
Mr. Adeniyi underscored the evolving nature of contemporary security challenges and emphasized the NCS’s desire for joint operational collaborations with the Nigerian Army to create a formidable force capable of countering criminal activities, including terrorism and illicit border actions.
He called for increased synergy to address these challenges and enhance the NCS’s capacity to handle security issues at border regions.
In another context, the CoAS received Professor Ayo Omotayo, the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and the institute’s management team.
The CoAS commended NIPSS for its contributions to expanding the strategic manpower development and knowledge base of the Nigerian Army, acknowledging that the institute’s efforts have significantly contributed to national development.
General Lagbaja praised NIPSS for its peace-building initiatives and announced plans for collaboration between the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and NIPSS to develop comprehensive modules for non-kinetic operations.
This partnership aims to address the current security challenges and restore peace and security in the country.
The CoAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to adopting a whole-of-society approach to combat the nation’s security challenges.
Professor Ayo Omotayo recognized the supportive role played by the Nigerian Army in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity through Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations in various regions.
He urged the government to continue supporting the Nigerian Army, emphasizing that peace and security are prerequisites for national progress.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
