Makinde, Idris Bags Award for Leadership Excellence, Anti-Smuggling

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Customs Area Controller Ogun 1 Command, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde and the Superintendent of Customs, Coordinator Roving B Team of Ogun 1 Area Command, Adamu Idris, have bagged the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria’s (CRAN’s) for leadership Excellence and overall best performing Patrol Leader in anti-smuggling activities respectively.
Receiving the award, Makinde stated that more intelligence is being applied now more than ever before in the anti- smuggling Operations of the customs in view of what looked like an unusual situation around the nation.

He stressed that there is no alternative to peaceful coexistence as that is the only way to engender a virile development of any country.

He said every security apparatus has a role to play in sustaining national security, and the customs, being a major stake holder especially in curtailing the influx of arms smuggling will not fail to maintain the tempo.

According to him, citizens must do everything possible to coexist as suspicion and internal strife were the forerunners of any country’s disintegration.

He said his Area Command will key into the mandate given to it by the Customs Management Team which centred on the extant laws of the Service in promoting security of lives by preventing importation of uncustomed or prohibited items nipping in the bud evasion of duties, facilitation of lawful trade as well as protection of the economy.

He spoke of the Area’s desire to make striking or spectacular seizures in his area of jurisdiction, as that would be the major yardstick to hold a briefing in no distant future.

Reminded that since he mounted the rostrum, seized goods have been a constant feature and that his officers were harvesting seizures that can make headlines, he agreed but stated that views differ, in this instance as few may not see such intercepted goods as worthy to attract any briefing yet.

“We are looking forward to magnificent seizures to enable us converge here for a briefing before the second quarters runs out.” he said.

He was again taken on the fact that when striking seizures are not made, it goes to show that the officers are working hard; for smugglers to have gone underground, he also reluctantly agreed but noted that it was also better if striking seizures are made to show that we are on top of the situation’

The Controller who hailed operatives of the command for their resilient effort in tackling smugglers, said: “While waging war against die-hard smugglers, we urged them to embrace legitimate trade and steer clear of smuggling and other nefarious activities that are inimical to the economic development of our dear nation. We encouraged compliant traders by operating an open door policy and creating an enabling environment for trade to thrive.”

He added: “As part of our Stakeholders’ engagement, we maintained a robust synergy with our sister security agencies and cordial community relations with our host communities.
Noting that the pen is mightier than sword, Makinde went on to state that all security agencies as well as state actors must synergies to be able to surmount the present insurgency in the country.”

He stated that positive media would build the nation rather than destroying it.

In the same vein, Idris, was also honoured for his hardwork and dedication to anti-smuggling duty.
Idris, the Superintendent of Customs and a dedicated patrol leader, was recognized for his outstanding performance.

Idris has been actively involved in various roles within the Ogun 1 Area of the Nigeria Customs Service. Notably, he has served as the Patrol Leader of the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Special Taskforce Team A and also as the Coordinator of Roving A Team. Presently, he holds the position of Coordinator of Roving B Team within the Command.

Over the years, he has distinguished himself as the overall best-performing patrol leader in Ogun 1 Area Command.
The sterling performances of his team under his quality leadership have continued to earn him accolades and several awards of excellence from the office of the CAC.

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