ZAINAB JUNAID
Comptroller Mohammed Abubakar Umar of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Area Command, has reiterated the need for stronger collaboration with other Security Agencies - Nigerian Army (NA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other agencies, to curb cross-border and internal security threats posed to the nation by criminal elements.
Speaking at separate meetings on Thursday and Friday, while paying the heads of the agencies a courtesy visit in their respective offices in Katsina, the state capital, Comptroller Abubakar Umar said sharing of credible intelligence between sister agencies would further enhance national security and foster friendship, unity, and eliminate all forms of rivalries among security agencies in the state.
At the Headquarters of the 17 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Katsina, the Controller solicited the cooperation of the Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, in curbing transborder crimes in the state.
He advocated the need for a joint security taskforce and credible intelligence sharing among military and paramilitary agencies in the state to tame transborder crimes and other security challenges bedeviling the state.
"The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service from time immemorial have been working in the area of border management, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. So, I am here to further strengthen the existing relationship and do more."
Responding, Brigadier-general Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, said the Nigerian Army will continue to work assiduously with the NCS in tackling transborder crimes, banditry, and other security challenges in the state.
Fadairo maintained that the Nigerian troops would not relent on their oars until the criminal gangs terrorizing communities in the state were completely flushed out, adding that intelligence sharing remains cardinal in the ongoing war against the hoodlums.
At the State Police Command, Comptroller Umar reaffirmed NCS' determination and commitment to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to curb cross-border crimes, especially the smuggling of small arms and light weapons in the state.To him, "We are going to resuscitate the joint security taskforce and other security measures that will help in nipping in the bud banditry and other crimes in the society."
The Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, on his part pledged to support the Nigeria Customs Service with necessary information to address smuggling and other transborder crimes and also for development and legitimate economic activities to thrive.
The Controller also visited Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mohammed Adamu, where he also advocated the need for synergy to end the activities of those he termed economic saboteurs.
He said the NCS was desirous of a collaborative effort of all security agencies towards intelligence sharing, decimating criminals, and providing a peaceful atmosphere for Nigerians.
In his response, Controller Adamu described the courtesy call as the right step towards cementing the already existing relationship among security agencies in the state.
He explained that 3,260 foreigners were residing in Katsina State with most of them engaging in smuggling activities at different border communities in the state, but the closure of all borders revealed their heinous activities.
He said the foreigners were uncovered through a recent census conducted by the Command and many of them had been repatriated back to their countries because their "stay in Katsina was not legal."
Comptroller Abubakar Umar also visited the Katsina State Commands of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) where they all assured readiness to ensure effective partnership in all ramifications for better service delivery in the State.
