APART FROM ANTI- SMUGGLING OPERATIONS; PEACE LIKE A RIVER; OUR GREATEST FEAT AT THE IDIROKO CORRIDORS—COMPT OTUNLA
Ogun 1 command customs boss, Compt Otunla has declared that the command’s greatest feat in the last six months remains the sustained peace at the border communities.
In a chat with our Editor, he disclosed that apart from huge seizure profile, the area has witnessed genuine collaboration with inhabitants of the border towns, a product of strategic stakeholders engagement since he came on board.
‘We have deliberately come to the conclusion that wasting anyone’s life can not be equated with the interception of a bag of smuggled rice’
The Area Controller said ‘we have not fired any shot, nor maimed anyone in the course of our anti-smuggling operations’
This, he noted is due to the value the service places on the sanctity of human life. Stating that its operations are intelligence-driven, he deposed that burning issues are resolved before they could escalate.
According to him, the command still have in its pipeline plans to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in due course, noting that the Customs officers wives Association (COWA) has been partnering with some hospitals to assist with some medical products. Expressing the wish of the command to step up this gesture, with the availability of funds.
On anti- smuggling operations, he said they would continue to whittle down the activities of smugglers wherever they are hidden, declaring that though, the Idiroko border is too wide, the command has the security network to scuttle any attempts by smugglers to bring in prohibited items into the country.
On boosting trade across the border, the Area Controller pointed out that he has held several meetings with importers and clearing agents, intimating them on the customs determination to facilitate genuine trade across the corridor.
Otunla stated that the snag , according to the business community hinged on the state of the roads.
He however, hoped that the infrastructure facilities, namely good roads, electricity and health accessibility will be assured in the borders in no distant future inorder to improve the commercial status of the. Border communities.
Compt Otunla stressed that inspite of some of the noticeable challenges, the several collaborative efforts with communities and other agencies have continued to engender a peaceful ecosystem.