By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has announced plans to partner with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen border security and support non-kinetic operations. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, made the announcement on Monday during separate meetings with the Acting Comptroller General of the NCS, Mr. Basir Adeniyi, and the Director General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Ayo Omotayo.
Lagbaja commended the existing collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the NCS in securing Nigeria’s borders and combating illegal activities. He expressed the readiness of the Nigerian Army to support the NCS through joint training and operations to tackle cross-border crimes. Lagbaja also promised to assist the NCS in humanitarian efforts, such as the distribution of relief items to internally displaced persons and during emergency situations.
The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, requested closer operational engagement with the Nigerian Army to address contemporary security challenges. Adeniyi emphasized the need for joint efforts to combat hostile criminal activities, such as terrorism and smuggling at the border communities. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in enhancing the NCS’s capacity to handle security challenges at the border areas.
In a separate meeting, the Chief of Army Staff met with the Director General of the NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, and praised the institute’s contribution to strategic manpower development. Lagbaja stated that the Nigerian Army Resource Centre will collaborate with the NIPSS to develop modules for non-kinetic operations, aiming to overcome current security challenges and restore peace and security in the country. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army is taking a whole-of-society approach to combat national security challenges.
Professor Ayo Omotayo commended the Nigerian Army for its support to the NIPSS and acknowledged its crucial role in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He urged the government to further support the Nigerian Army, emphasizing that peace and security are crucial for national development.
This partnership between the Nigerian Army and the NCS, as well as the collaboration with the NIPSS, highlights the commitment to enhancing border security and addressing security challenges in Nigeria.