The Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) has pledged sustained media support for the Ogun I Idiroko Customs Command as the Command intensifies enforcement against smuggling and trans-border crimes.
The assurance was given during a courtesy visit by the Executives of MAJAN to the Command on Tuesday, February 3, 2025, where the delegation was received by the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni.
Speaking during the visit, MAJAN President, Mr. Jerry Aguigbo, said the association was at the Command to congratulate the CAC on his new posting and to reaffirm a cordial working relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Aguigbo described MAJAN as a professional journalists’ association committed to objective reportage of maritime and border-related activities, stressing that the association has maintained strong ties with previous leaderships of the Idiroko Command.
“We have always been on the positive side of this Command and will continue to help project its image. We are aware of the challenges here and we have noted the recent seizures recorded by the Command. We want to be part of that success story,” he said.
In his response, Deputy Comptroller Afeni described the Idiroko Command as a predominantly enforcement zone, noting that its core mandate is to deter smugglers and suppress illicit cross-border activities.
He disclosed that officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) were attacked earlier in the day along one of the axis around here , describing the incident as evidence that smugglers were feeling the impact of intensified enforcement.
“You don’t get attacked if officers are not doing their job. The pressure is getting to them, and that is why they are reacting,” Afeni stated.
The CAC appealed to journalists to support the Command by enlightening the public on the dangers of smuggling, stressing that government restrictions on certain imports are meant to protect local industries and strengthen the economy.
“We have the land and resources to produce and export. Smuggling only weakens the economy. We need the media to help us drive this message home,” he said, assuring MAJAN of continuous cooperation and an open-door policy.
During an interactive session, journalists raised concerns about the frequency of attacks on customs officers and asked whether the Command’s enforcement strategy aligned with the Customs management’s emphasis on community peace and collaboration.
Afeni responded that while dialogue and engagement remain important, enforcement sometimes requires the application of lawful force.
“You can’t beg a smuggler to surrender contraband. We are guided by rules of engagement, and we are also engaging opinion leaders and traditional rulers to caution their subjects against attacking officers,” he said.
Journalists further urged the Command to deepen collaboration with host communities, suggesting vocational training and empowerment programmes as long-term solutions to youth involvement in smuggling.
The CAC acknowledged the concerns, explaining that the Command already runs Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in schools and communities, and that plans are underway to expand vocational and skill-acquisition programmes supported by Customs.
He noted that security challenges in the area are compounded by its trans-border nature, limited security presence, and difficult terrain, adding that criminals often flee across the border after carrying out attacks.
“Idiroko is a unique terrain. Sometimes when you clamp down here, the criminals shift to the other side. That is why this is a trans-border issue,” Afeni said, recalling a remark by a former Comptroller who described the Command as “one day, one trouble.”
On inter-agency and cross-border cooperation, the CAC disclosed that joint security meetings are held regularly, including engagements with sister agencies and neighbouring Benin Republic authorities, as investigations into recent attacks continue.
“This is not just a Nigerian problem. We are working with other agencies and partners to manage the situation. Smuggling has become a business for some people here, but we are applying both dialogue and enforcement — the carrot and the stick,” he added.
The visit ended with both parties agreeing to explore specific areas of partnership aimed at public enlightenment, community engagement, and the promotion of lawful trade along the Idiroko border corridor.
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