The Kano Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has adopted a community-based approach in the ongoing fight against smuggling in the area.
Mr Dauda Chana, the Area Comptroller, in charge of Kano and Jigawa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Tuesday that the approach would enable residents at the border communities offer vital information on movement of smugglers.
He said that security measures in place would frustrate all forms of smuggling activities, adding that it is part of the efforts of the command to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the illegal business.
Chana said officers manning the border posts had been briefed on how the partnership would assist them to arrest smugglers.
“We have also since reached out to residents of Maigatari, Jeke and Babura border posts in Jigawa State to complement the efforts of our personnel manning the border posts with information that could aid in apprehending all those involved in illegal businesses.
“We will do all that we can to get intelligence reports on movement of smugglers to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
“All we want is credible information on movement of smugglers for prompt security action.
“I have said it times without number that my area is a no-go area for any smuggler as competent officers have been stationed to carry out their constitutional responsibility effectively,” Chana said.
The area comptroller said that all identified smuggling routes had been placed on strict surveillance, while community leaders would be used to provide information to help in dealing with the problem.
Chana warned that the service would not spare any arrested smuggler and urged officers and men of the service to rededicate themselves to duty.
