Army trains 65 Customs on enforcement, physical fitness

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Apapa of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it was partnering the Nigerian Army to train 65 of its personnel on enforcement of security and physical fitness.

The one-month programme which is designed to keep the selected officers alert to their duties was inaugurated at the 9th Brigade Headquarters, Ikeja, on Monday.

Brig-Gen. A.B. Biu, Commander of the brigade, represented by Col. Ibikunle Ajose, said that the army was not alien to such collaboration at the event.

“Such partnership is necessary as a result of the prevailing security challenges in the country.

“It is in line with the constitutional provision which mandates the Nigeria Army to extend military aid to civil authorities and sister security agencies.

“The training is geared toward improving the proficiency of the officers on weapon handling, drill, armoury management and physical fitness,’’ Ajose said.

Also, Capt. Stephen Aworinde, the Administrative Officer for training, said that the personnel would be divided into seven groups of eight trainees for effective coverage.

Aworinde called on the trainees to brace for a full-blown military drilling that would bring out the best in them.

Comptroller Benjamin Aber of the Kirikiri Lighter Command, who represented the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, urged the personnel to make the best use of the opportunity.

“You should count yourself lucky to start the CGC’s reform-pilot scheme.

“Your success at this training will open a whole lot of good opportunities that will enable you climb the ladder.

“Officers’ promotion and posting will be based on the outcome of the training,’’ Aber said.

He said those who distinguished themselves in the training would be given the responsibility of training others.