By Ahmed Ajikobi
The Coordinator of the Joint Border Drill Operations codenamed “Swift Response”, North Central zone, Ilorin, Kwara State, Comptroller Muhammed Uba Garba has read the riot act to his men and officers.
He warned them not to go against the rules and regulation that established them adding that any officer that engaged in any illegal activities will lose his/her job.
Garba stated this when he visited the officers at their duty post during a tour of checkpoints where he met officers, DSS, Police, Immigration and other heads of security agencies in the border drill operations.
In a press release made available to this medium and signed by the Public Relation Officer of Customs, Kwara Command, Zakari Chado, a prepared and signed code of conduct that contains “Dos and Don’ts” was handed over to each officer and warned that any one found violating the code, concealing information, compromising or engaging in any act contrary to or to the detriment of the operations will be shown the way out.
According to the release, he charged them to tame all the vices that might likely toy with the steering wheel and progress of the country and decried the attitude of die-hard smugglers who are still operating in some border communities despite the border closure.
“The perpetrators and economic saboteurs have device new means of using bush-paths, motorbikes and camels to carry out their nefarious activities. We frown at such stance and reiterated that there is no retreat on the fight against smuggling in whatever disguise.
“My appeal is to the community, District Head and the general public to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and to avoid smuggling in all its ramifications. The Sector 3 Eagle Eye is all around this axis and other axis, as we are battle ready to halt all the new techniques initiated by economic saboteurs to perpetuate their illicit acts.
“To this end, the movement of all types of vehicles/boats used for transportation of petroleum products across the land borders and water ways within 20KM radius has been restricted and anyone caught violating this order will be prosecuted and jailed”, he added.
The Dodo of Wawa, Dr. Mahmud Ahmed Aliyu in his response said the aim of Federal Government to partially close its border is for the well being of the nation’s economy adding that he will support the Federal Government in achieving the laudable goal.
Other places visited by Garuba included the palace of Emir of Kotangora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska where the Federal Government was commended for taking the bold step to partially close its borders and applauded the coordinator for choosing traditional institutions as his focal point because they are the grassroots mobilisers.
