By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar I Katsinatimes
The Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Union of Journalists have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at enhancing public enlightenment, professionalism, and anti-smuggling campaigns across border communities in the state.
This formed part of discussions during a courtesy visit by the newly elected leadership of the NUJ Katsina State Council to the Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday.
Speaking during the visit, the Comptroller of the Katsina Area Command, MS Musa, commended the cordial relationship existing between the Customs Service and journalists in the state.
He congratulated the newly elected NUJ leadership and assured the union of the command’s continued support and cooperation in promoting national development and public awareness.
“The Nigeria Customs Service recognises the critical role of the media as strategic partners in information dissemination, public sensitisation and nation-building,” the comptroller stated.
He noted that the command had continued to maintain discipline among its personnel, particularly in the handling and use of firearms, stressing that officers are regularly sensitised on professionalism and restraint during operations.
According to him, the command conducts routine parades and internal briefings to caution officers against unnecessary use of force while carrying out border and anti-smuggling duties.
“We always preach caution in the use of firearms. It is not every situation that requires the use of weapons. Our men have been properly guided, and with the help of Allah, we have not recorded incidents involving unlawful shootings or killings,” he said.
The comptroller further disclosed plans by the command to organise a workshop for journalists after the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations to deepen public understanding of customs regulations, border operations and anti-smuggling activities.
He said the workshop would also provide journalists with operational guidelines and relevant documents to support accurate reportage and public enlightenment.
Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Katsina State Council, Aminu Garba Dandagoro, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between journalists and the Nigeria Customs Service in the state.
He commended the role being played by the Customs Service in combating smuggling and maintaining security along border communities in Katsina State.
“The NUJ recognises the vital contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service, especially in the area of anti-smuggling operations and border surveillance,” Dandagoro said.
He stated that the NUJ remained committed to professionalism and constructive engagement with public institutions for societal development.
The NUJ chairman also revealed plans to collaborate with the Customs Service in organising training workshops for journalists to improve their understanding of customs laws, import regulations and border operations.
According to him, the initiative would help journalists educate rural communities on prohibited items, importation guidelines and the dangers associated with smuggling activities.
Also speaking during the visit, former Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service and current District Head of Ketare in Kankara Local Government Area, UK Bello Kankara, urged the Customs command to sustain close cooperation with the media.
He noted that effective public communication remains essential to the success of customs operations and anti-smuggling campaigns.
UK Bello emphasised the importance of educating journalists on customs regulations and operational procedures, saying such knowledge would improve public understanding and reduce misinformation about customs activities.
He recalled similar workshops organised in the past for specialised journalists covering maritime and customs operations, noting that such engagements significantly improved media coverage and public awareness of customs responsibilities.
The visit ended with renewed commitments by both organisations to promote public enlightenment, professionalism and stronger collaboration in addressing security and economic challenges linked to smuggling and border crimes in Katsina State.
