Nigeria: Banditry to Be Eradicated Shortly – Customs Official

The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Assistant Controller General Sambo Dangaladima, expressed optimism that the ongoing issue of banditry in the country will soon be over, by the grace of God.

Dangaladima made this remark on Wednesday while addressing officers and personnel of the Katsina Area Command. He urged the officers to remain vigilant and security-conscious in their duties, particularly as the year draws to a close.

His visit to Katsina was part of the NCS Controller General Adewale Adeniyi’s policy focus on consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. During the visit, Dangaladima emphasized the importance of teamwork and strong relationships between the service and its stakeholders, while reminding personnel of their critical role in safeguarding national security.

“As we approach the ember months, it is crucial for all of us to remain vigilant and ensure we collect all duties due to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Katsina is one of the states most affected by banditry, and it is important that you remain professional, especially during patrols. Be aware that your lives are valuable, and the service needs you now more than ever,” Dangaladima stated.

He stressed the importance of securing the nation’s borders to prevent the smuggling of contraband goods and the infiltration of small arms and light weapons, which often end up in the hands of bandits and other criminals.

Dangaladima also highlighted the need for personnel to be aware of each other’s movements, ensuring their superiors are informed to maintain accountability and safety.

He acknowledged the challenging security situation in Katsina but expressed faith that the issue of banditry will soon be resolved. “We are all aware of the growing threat posed by banditry, but by the grace of Almighty God, it will soon be over,” he said.

Commending the officers for their hard work and resilience in such a volatile region, Dangaladima noted that the strategic position of Katsina as a border state makes it a challenging environment for security operations. However, he assured that with the support of local communities and divine intervention, the NCS will succeed in its mission.

He concluded by calling on the operatives to fully support the Area Controller, emphasizing that collective success at the command level ultimately contributes to the success of the entire nation.