Custom Boss Inspect Illela Border Ahead of Official Re-opening

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto 

As part of preparation for the re-opening of Illela Border, the newly deployed Customs Area Controller, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Kamal Mohammed, yesterday paid a working visit to Illela Border Station to ensure all is set.

The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) had ordered the closure of all its land borders with Niger Republic, following a military coup in the country.  

However, after a meeting in Abuja, the ECOWAS leaders reviewed some of the earlier sanctions imposed on the country, which includes restoration of power supply and opening of all land borders.

The Controller who was accompanied by his Management team, while addressing stakeholder stated that,  “with the lift of ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic, and subsequent restoration of power supply to Niger Republic, It is on this premise I came to ensure all is set towards the re-opening of the Illela Border as we await the last order”

The Customs boss also charged stakeholders and security agencies at the border post on the need for cooperation especially in the area of intelligence and information sharing as well as joint operation towards safeguarding the Nation Border.

He said, “with collaboration each Agency will be able to effectively and efficiently fulfill its assigned mandate. We know it has not been easy for you, but God willing it will soon become history”.

He thanked the Illela Community for their hospitality stating that as part of cooperate social responsibility (CSR), the Service has awarded the construction of a primary health care at the Border station, when completed it will cater for both officers and the Illela community.

The Comptroller also paid homage to Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Muhammad Zayyanu, where he called on the Royal father on the need to educate his wards against the menace of smuggling.