Border security: Radda pledges partnership with Nigerian Customs Service

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has declared the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure a safe environment, particularly in border areas.

The Governor made this commitment while hosting the Customs Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Adekunle Adewale Stephen Oluyede, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Katsina.

Governor Radda commended the Customs Authority for embracing technology in tracking activities and movements around border areas.

“For a long time, Nigeria needed to move a little forward as we cannot continue to operate the way it was in the last forty to fifty years as the world has now moved to the digital age,” Governor Radda stated.

The Governor described the technological approach as “a right development, in the right direction and at the right time.”

He noted that considering the porous nature of Nigerian borders, “there is no way to deploy all personnel to monitor borders and control movement,” which he identified as a factor contributing to escalating insecurity.

Governor Radda acknowledged that the movement of arms through borders remains one of the significant challenges faced by Katsina State.

The Governor, however, expressed confidence that “with the use of technology, and synergy with the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina Security Watch and other security agencies, activities of bandits who run to escape arrests would be reduced.”

Speaking on past tensions between Customs personnel and border communities, the Governor noted that “the creation of engagement between Customs and relevant stakeholders made it possible for amicable resolution of the issue.”

Earlier, in his remarks, ACG Adekunle Adewale Stephen Oluyede revealed that his visit to Katsina served dual purposes, to condole with the Governor over the recent passing of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barebari, and to inspect Customs formations in the state.

The Zonal Coordinator explained that “the Customs Authorities have resolved to use technology instead of using force in checking activities within our borders.”

He added that while Customs had previously focused primarily on revenue generation, they now recognize “the need for automation of their enforcement.”

“By employing technology, the Nigeria Customs could be able to manage their officers and know how they behave in the discharge of their duties,” ACG Oluyede stated.

ACG Oluyede concluded by offering prayers for the deceased mother of the Governor, asking Almighty Allah to “forgive the shortcomings of Hajiya Safara’u and grant her Aljanna Firdausi.”