Customs Receives Ogun Students’ Leadership, Reaffirms Commitment to Border Security

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received the leadership of the National Association of the Ogun State Students during a courtesy visit on Thursday.

In a Sunday statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chado Zakari, the visit was aimed at formalising relations with the Command and to congratulate the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Oladapo Afeni, on his recent appointment.

According to the statement, during the visit, the NAOSS Global President, Comrade Olubodun Olalekan, commended the Ag. CAC for the remarkable operational achievements recorded under his leadership.

Olalekan highlighted the Command’s successes in intercepting illicit and dangerous drugs, especially marijuana, as well as illegal arms and ammunition.

Olalekan said, “The Ogun I Command plays a strategic role in safeguarding national security by ensuring that illegal activities do not thrive within Ogun State, especially along the border corridors.”

As a show of support for the Command’s mandate, the NAOSS President pledged that the association would organise a sensitisation rally to educate the public, particularly youths, on the dangers of smuggling and drug abuse.

Responding, the Acting Customs Area Controller expressed appreciation to the NAOSS leadership for the visit and their commitment to supporting the Service. He reflected on the historical importance of the Idiroko border and acknowledged the improved relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and host communities.

DC Afeni observed that the frequent clashes previously recorded between Customs officers and members of host communities have reduced drastically, ushering in an era of peace and improved understanding.

He, however, expressed concern over the volume of drugs seized daily by the Command, noting that youths are largely involved in the illicit trade. He explained that the persistence of drug trafficking is sustained by a “buyer-seller” cycle, which, according to him, must be broken.

The Ag. CAC reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ending the menace and called for sustained collaboration with stakeholders, including student bodies and community groups, to enhance border security and promote national development.