Nigeria Customs Our officers are well-trained in handling guns

Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has urged Nigerians to renew their confidence in customs officers’ handling of weapons.

“Let me assure Nigerians that the era of our men holding weapons and shooting innocent Nigerians due to a lack of sound training is over, gone forever, and will not be repeated,” he declared during his address at the passing out parade of 956 new graduates in Kano on Thursday.

Adeniyi asserted that the new recruits went through regimented training on handling weapons and were specifically trained to protect Nigerians rather than kill them.

The Commandant of the Customs School, R. A. Adahunse, further disclosed that their training covered various areas, including enforcement, revenue, valuation, export and import procedures, passenger selection, parcel post, administration, ITC, and other relevant things.

According to him, the recruits mastered the drills and excelled in academic activities within six months.

Addressing them directly, the Comptroller General of Customs said: “You represent the future of our organisation. It is upon your shoulders that the responsibility of meeting the aspirations of our great nation rests. I want you to be mindful of the fact that your recruitment into the Nigeria Customs Service was merit-based. You were chosen from among over half a million applications received at the initial stage of the exercise. You have earned your place here, and it comes with great responsibility.

“You are expected to serve your nation with diligence, discipline, and the highest level of integrity at all times. Upholding these values is not just a duty but a necessity. Always be smart in appearance, for it reflects the pride you take in your role as customs officers. Be the embodiment of excellence and service in every aspect of your conduct.”

He also underscored the need for them to study the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) diligently and take them seriously, saying, “These SOPs are your guide to ensuring effective customs operations.”