Anti-smugglers’ battle taking tolls on officers, families – Customs CG’s Wife

National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Kikelomo Adeniyi, has expressed concern that constant battle against smugglers, traffickers, and criminals by officers at the border lines is not only often a toll on them, but also their families.

Adeniyi spoke on Friday during her visit to the headquarters of Ogun 1 Area Command at Idiroko, Ogun State.

During the visit, she awarded scholarships to 54 outstanding pupils from the Customs’ schools and distributed palliatives to over 50 widows of fallen customs officers.

Delivering her speech, the Customs CG’s Wife said as wives and mothers, they experience anxieties, fears, and sacrifices that come with having loved ones on the frontlines.

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“As one of our country’s key border areas, Idiroko has long been a frontline in the battle against smuggling and cross-border crimes. The constant battle against smugglers, traffickers, and criminals often takes a toll not just on the officers but on their families as well.

“As wives and mothers, we know firsthand the anxieties, fears, and sacrifices that come with having our loved ones on the frontlines.

“The threat of danger is ever-present, and the pressure on their shoulders can sometimes weigh heavily on us too-But I stand here today to encourage each and every one of you, remain steadfast,” Adeniyi said.

The COWA President explained that the visit was meant to celebrate the achievements of the chapter and to show solidarity with officers and their families who bear the weight of this noble duty.

She urged officers’ wives to continuously seek ways to improve themselves through capacity building and skills acquisition.

She also urged the executives and members of the Ogun 1 Area Command Chapter to maintain unity and harmony within the fold, saying, “We are stronger when we work together in love and understanding.”

The Area Controller, James Ojo, assured COWA of the command’s continuous support for its activities towards fostering unity and cohesion among officers and their families.

He also applauded the COWA President for the visit and the empowerment, saying “we share one vision.”