The Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command has met with residents of border communities, including community leaders from Niger Republic over illegal trans-border trades and proliferation of firearms.
The meeting was held at the Illela border town in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Friday.
Chairing the meeting, the Comptroller of Customs in charge of Sokoto and Zamfara area Command, Mr. Musa Omale, sought the support of the communities in their efforts to secure our borders against the influx of contraband.
“I thank the district head of Konni and other security agents who came from our neighbouring country of Niger Republic for graciously attending this meeting because you did that voluntarily as you may decide not to come,” he said.
Earlier, the comptroller, while addressing joint border operatives, said that “Nigeria is having some challenges bordering on security.
“We need to do everything humanly possible to secure our borders against the influx of arms and illicit drugs among other contrabands,” he said.
The comptroller also promised to improve the revenue of the command and the welfare of the officers.
Responding on behalf of the Nigerien communities, the district head of Konni, Maman Salisu, while assuring their support to the Nigerian Customs, noted that, the two countries were related.
The Comptroller had earlier met with the district heads of Gwadabawa, Kware and Illela local government areas all in Sokoto State over the same issue.