Security

Nigeria Customs Pledges Commitment to Border Security

By Web News 269

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate cross-border trade through enhanced regional cooperation.

This was highlighted during a joint border security engagement held at Idiroko , Ogun state, organised by the Ogun I Area Command of the Service, which brought together heads of sister security agencies from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as other key stakeholders involved in border management. 

Speaking at the forum, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr Oladapo Afeni, said securing the nation’s borders remained a critical foundation for effective trade facilitation and revenue generation. 

Mr Afeni noted that the engagement provided an opportunity to re-assessed the security situation at the border and address issues hindering smooth trade flow and regional security.

The Acting Custom Controller explained that the participation of Beninese counterparts underscored the importance of bilateral collaboration in resolving shared challenges along the border corridor, including the issue of multiple check points, while stressing that efficient cargo movement could only be achieved through sustained cooperation among all stakeholders.

He gave an assurance that officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command deployed across the border corridors are committed to surpassing previous operational achievements in line with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Sport

Gateway Games: Olopade Commends Handball Players for Skills

By Web News 70

By Olusegun Folarin 

The Director General, National Sports Commission, NSC, Chief Bukola Olopade, has commended the quality of play in the ongoing National Sports Festival handball event tagged “2024 Gateway Games.

Chief Olopade spoke with Sports Writers after watching the men’s handball match between Lagos and Sokoto States at the Alake Sports Complex, Abeokuta.

The Director General, who lauded the skills of the handball players, noted that the standard of the game had improved tremendously, adding that the officiating was also top-notch, which made the game more interesting, saying the players exhibited the spirit of fair play.

He disclosed that all the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, had arrived in Abeokuta for the tournament, as Benue was the last state to arrive in the games village.

In some of the results, Niger State defeated Kano State by 25 to 24 points in the male hand ball event, the same result was also recorded in the encounter between Lagos and Sokoto State with Lagos running away with the victory.

At the Ikenne centre, Lagos State walked over their counterparts from Ondo State in the male category, while Ogun State beat Benue State by 3 goals to one in the female category.

Actions continue on Tuesday, 20th May, 2025, at various centres.

Beach Volleyball, Cricket and Female Handball events will take place at the MKO Sports Arena, while Gymnastics and Squash will be held at the Alake Sports Centre. 

Other events slated for Tuesday were Boxing and Kick Boxing at the Baptist Boys High School, Saje, Abeokuta.

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Security

Customs Death: Gov. Abiodun Calls for Restraint in the Use of Arms

By Web News 673

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has called for restraint in the use of lethal arms by law enforcement officers in the State.

The governor made this known while intervening in the unrest that erupted in Imasayi, Yewa North Local Government Area of the State, when a joint Task Force, comprising of the Military, Police, Customs, Immigration and the DSS had a faceoff with the youths of the community which resulted in the untimely death of an officer.

Governor Abiodun said he has been in contact with relevant authorities in the Army and the Nigeria Customs Service, NSC.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Kunle Somorin, hinted that talks are ongoing towards apprehending the suspects who allegedly killed a uniformed officer during the crisis.

The statement said a manhunt has been launched on the suspect who also made away with the slain officer’s weapon.

The statement further explained that suspects arrested in connection with the criminal act are giving useful information that would lead to the arrest of the main suspect.

Governor Abiodun urged law enforcement agents to exercise restraint and be humane in carrying out their duties.

The governor also commiserates with the families of the slain officer and promised that no stone would be left unturned to unearth the circumstance of the crisis.

Wale Oluokun