By Abigail Philip David
The Assistant Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the Southwest Zone, Saidu Yusuf, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to utilizing advanced technology to improve border control and combat smuggling activities. Yusuf made the announcement during his visit to the Ogun Area II Command in Abeokuta on Thursday.
He praised the command for generating over N20 billion in revenue for the Federal Government between January and August 2024, surpassing the N14 billion collected in the same period last year.
Yusuf highlighted ongoing efforts by the NCS under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi to automate border operations and strengthen security. “We are working to use technology to enhance border security and patrols. The acquisition of an aircraft for border surveillance is part of these efforts,” he said. He emphasized that the service is focused on training its personnel to effectively use modern technologies for border monitoring.
Yusuf also issued a strong warning to those attempting to smuggle illegal arms, ammunition, and drugs into Nigeria, stating that the Customs Service is collaborating closely with other security agencies to boost intelligence gathering and law enforcement.
Commenting on the Ogun Area II Command’s performance, Yusuf praised the leadership of Comptroller Olusola Alade, noting that the command had generated nearly N21 billion by August 2024, a significant improvement compared to the previous year’s N14 billion.
In response, Alade expressed gratitude for the recognition and called for additional housing and medical facilities for officers in the command.
