The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ have expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration in the fight against smuggling and other crimes in Lagos and the Southwest.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan stated this when the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’ Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni paid a courtesy visit to his office at the Alausa Secretariat Ikeja.
Ogunsan stressed that there were several areas in which both organisations could work together to strengthen security operations.
‘There are a lot of things we could do together’ he said adding that closer cooperation could support security operations through improved equipment logistics and other institutional needs.
He added that the activities of the Customs Service formed an important part of the country’s security efforts particularly in preventing the movement of prohibited goods and other illicit consignments.
Ogunsan noted that the presence of Customs officers on major routes could also serve as a deterrent to criminals involved in the movement of illegal goods.
He recalled an incident involving a driver who became apprehensive after sighting Customs officers while driving at high speed saying such reactions showed the impact of enforcement operations.
On his part Afeni said the visit was aimed at establishing a working relationship with the LSSTF in pursuit of their shared security objectives.
He said FOU Zone ‘A’ headquartered in Lagos was responsible for anti-smuggling operations and enforcement across the Southwest.
‘I believe we can synergise to ensure that Lagos is free and by extension the entire South-West is free of crime’ Afeni said.
The comptroller also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his leadership and emphasis on national security and border protection.