No fewer than 62 officers of the Enforcement Unit of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal of the Nigeria Customs Service have completed a four week training exercise carried out by the 9 brigade of the Nigerian Army on weapon handling, drill, armoury management and physical fitness.
Speaking at the passing out ceremony of the graduants last weekend held at the Ikeja Cantonment, Commander of the 9 brigade, Brigadier General Bulama Biu described the training of the officers as a positive step taken by the Customs management towards capacity building.
He said the training, which was in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff to further assist and cooperate with sister agencies especially in the area of security, was aimed at ensuring efficient weapon handling, effective storage as well as maintenance of arms and ammunition.
According to him, the training has not only enhanced the proficiency of the officers but has further strengthened the existing relationship between Customs and the Nigeria Army.
“In line with the Comptroller General of Customs drive to professionalize the Service for optimal Service delivery and in accordance with the Chief of Army Staff to assist and corporate with sister security agencies, this brigade was asked to conduct a four week training cadre with the KLT command.
“This is a very positive step taken by the customs leadership towards capacity building.
“For four weeks, the graduants have received and gone through intensive and rigorous training which expose them to the techniques and procedure for weapon handling specifically the AK47, G3, drill, armoury management among others,” he said.
Biu noted that in view of the security and economic challenge the country is faced with, it is imperative for personnel of the NCS as government agency charged with the responsibility of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities to regularly sharpen their skills to prepare them for their operations especially in the area of anti smuggling.
While commending the officers for the discipline and commitment exhibited during the period of the training, he urged the graduants to remain dedicated and continue to project the Service in good light and be good ambassador of the 9 brigade.
In his remark, Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone ‘A’, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Charles Edike expressed appreciation for the support given by the Army in training the officers even as he called for more support and collaboration.
He also lauded the effort of the Controller in charge of the KLT Command; Comptroller Aber for his effort at training the officers to a standard, which he said is acceptable by the Service.
He urged the officers to use the training for national interest by ensuring that customs revenue is maximize and un customs goods are prevented from coming into the country.
“Today, you have been trained. Make sure that the training you received is used for national interest and for the benefit of Nigerians. Make sure it is used to enforce federal government fiscal policy and to ensure that duty is not evaded and nothing on the prohibition list come into the country.
“By this training, it will make you more effective when dealing with smugglers. We know that no smuggler can intimidate you again,” he said.
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