The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has received a boost as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army showed interest to partner with the service towards waging war against smuggling and smugglers.
Penpushing reports that indication to this followed courtesy calls to the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, by Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products at National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Brigadier, General Friday Oguche Onu.
The resolved was highlighted during two separate high profile strategic visits to the command headquarters in Idiroko town located in Ipokia local government area of Ogun State, aimed to establish robust, intelligence driven operations aimed at intercepting substandard and expired goods before reaching Nigerian markets.
Penpushing further reports that Afeni reaffirmed command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating counterfeit goods, unwholesome drugs, and border security threats through strengthened inter agency collaboration.
The customs boss emphasized that dismantling organized smuggling syndicates requires inter-agency coordination, noting that the command resolved to secure the nation’s borders against illicit trade is unwavering.
‘Strengthening our partnership with the Federal Task Force will enhance our operational efficiency and ensure importers of fake and substandard items find no safe haven within our jurisdiction’, he added.
Penpushing also reports that Afeni appreciated the both establishment’s steadfast support, reaffirming that joint tactics remain vital to suppressing illicit activities while facilitating legitimate trade.
The Director of the Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products at National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) commended the command’s anti-smuggling track record and advocated for real time information sharing and streamlined enforcement to protect public health and local industries.
Penpushing reports that the Brigadier General on his part pledged continuous operational backstopping and intelligence sharing from the Nigeria Customs service, Ogun I Command in particular to counter trans-border crime, smuggling, and regional threats.
‘Security along our border communities requires a seamless, unified front. The 35 Artillery Brigade remains fully committed to fostering joint operations to safeguard national security and economic stability’, Onu stated.
Penpushing further reports that both agencies urged importers, clearing agents, and border communities to prioritize compliant trade and report suspicious activities to security authorities.
Meanwhile, the high-level visits featured formal presentations of commemorative plaques, the signing of the official visitors’ register, and joint group photographs with senior officers of the respective formations.
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