Nigeria Customs personnel complete intensive weapon handling training

Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operation Unit, Zone A, have completed a one-month intensive weapon handling training along with a study tour to Gbaji Check Point, Badagry.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Training College, Ikeja, DC Haniel Hadison, who spearheaded the sixty-six participants and other officers to Gbaji on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, noted that the initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

He said, “Our outing is in line with the concerted efforts of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, in capacity building, and we are thankful for the approval of the one-month weapon training of some selected officers of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja”.

“We are here this morning at Gbaji, the approved checkpoints manned by the Federal Operations Unit and other sister agencies. We have brought our students to come and see how checkpoint activities are being carried out to relate what they have learned to what is happening in real-time at the checkpoint. ” He added.

DC Hadison explained that the study tour aligns with the college’s curriculum regarding customs activities.

“For the past three weeks or thereabouts, these selected officers of FOU ‘A’ have undergone weapon handling and checkpoints exercises, also exposed to different Customs activities as it relates to enforcement, such as weapon handling and discipline, escorts activities, bodily duties and other enforcement activities, patrols activities, arrest techniques as it concerns global best practices.” He stated.

Hadison emphasised that the training is a continuous one, as the Service will continue to expose officers to best practices of weapons handling and discipline.

He appreciated the CGC for the opportunity given, even on the last day of the training.

After teaching and showing the officers firsthand techniques on checkpoint assessment, Assistant Comptroller Adewale Egunjobi, the Officer in Charge of Operations, Gbaji, expressed satisfaction with the student’s performance, affirming their readiness to assume greater responsibilities within the service.

“It’s a mission accomplished. Today marks one of my best days in the service, witnessing these students showcase their skills. I have complete confidence in their abilities to uphold customs’ standards. “.

Chief Superintendent of Customs Ibrahim Salati, the National Coordinator of Rural-Urban Border Patrol Operations, commended the officers’ proficiency in weapon handling and enforcement techniques.

Salati emphasised the importance of practical training in preparing officers for their duties.

“When you look at them, the way they handle rifles shows that the purpose of the training has been achieved,” Salati stated.

“We owe gratitude to the CGC and the Commandant for emphasising the practical side of training, ensuring our officers are well-prepared to tackle enforcement tasks,” he concluded.