- Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi announced the end of deficits in handling weapons and ammunition by Nigeria Customs Service
- He emphasized the professionalism of junior officers and the end of innocent Nigerians being shot by Customs officers
According to the Nigeria Customs Service’s Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi, the era of deficit in handling weapons and ammunition is over.
Adeniyi spoke on Thursday at the Nigeria Customs Training College in Kano during the passing out parade of 951 junior officers recruits.
He urged the junior officers to maintain a high level of professionalism while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
“You carry the image and reputation of the service on your shoulders as you go about your business to complete your assignments.”
The CGC urged Nigerians to reconsider their trust and belief in Customs officers carrying weapons, stating that the era of rampant cases of innocent Nigerians being shot was over.
I want to charge them to continue with that kind of spirit, the spirit of, ‘we are ready to do it’, in spite of the challenges, and in spite of the obstacles around us.
We have seen it ourselves that in the past there has been the challenge of deficit in capacity; either they were not adequately trained, or we did not give enough attention to it.
But the incidences of the past few months have challenged us to ensure that we entrust our arms and ammunitions in the care of those who are properly trained to do so.
Those who have the capacity to do so; and those who have the right sense of mind, the right mental presence and capacity to do so.
These people are well-trained, they have the passion to do the job, and they are ready.
Let me assure Nigerians that the era of officers and men of the service shooting innocent citizens was over due to the training acquired during the six months of intensive training.
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, the CGC charged.