By Sabiu Abdullahi
The World Customs Organisation (WCO), in collaboration with the German Federation, has successfully conducted a five-day training program focused on the detection of small arms and light weapons for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Police Force.
The training took place from September 16 to 20, 2024, at the Old Secretariat in Garki, Abuja, and involved 25 Customs officers along with personnel from the Nigerian Police Force and Nigerian Army.
The workshop was officially inaugurated by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Strategy, Research, and Policy, Sulaiman Chiroma, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
ACG Chiroma stated the significance of the training in enhancing the participants’ ability to detect illegal arms, a vital component of the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) ongoing efforts to combat weapon smuggling into the country.
“This training has gone beyond what we see today. It’s not just about small arms and light weapons for Nigeria Customs Service personnel, but a national initiative, evidenced by the involvement of other agencies,” ACG Chiroma stated.
He further noted that the training is part of the broader West African Security Project (WASP), aimed at fostering collaboration among West African nations in light of shared borders and security challenges.
Chiroma praised the WCO and the German Federation for their ongoing support in organizing such vital training programs, which play a crucial role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Customs officers.
He urged participants to apply their newly acquired skills diligently.
He said, “You have learned the terminologies of arms detection, and the challenge now is to apply and expand upon what you have learned. To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Participants were encouraged to share their knowledge with colleagues in their respective commands.
“The facilitators and resource persons have provided you with invaluable insight. Now, it’s your responsibility to ensure that this knowledge doesn’t remain with you alone but is passed on to others in your field,” Chiroma added.
The training covered various critical topics, including the detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), understanding cultural chemicals, and mastering techniques to combat insecurity in the West African subregion.
Chiroma noted that this comprehensive approach to security training is expected to enhance efforts against illegal arms trafficking throughout the region.