Sani Dutsinma
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies to complement federal and state government efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
The Governor made the pledge while handing over two operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi State Command, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
He explained that the gesture fulfilled an earlier promise made after hoodlums attacked and destroyed the Tsamiya border post, including operational vehicles belonging to the Customs Service. According to him, the provision of the vehicles will strengthen the agency’s operational capacity and enhance its effectiveness in discharging its constitutional responsibilities.
Governor Idris urged the Customs officers to make judicious use of the vehicles and remain professional and proactive in carrying out their duties.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reopening of the Tsamiya border in Bagudo Local Government Area, describing the move as strategic to economic growth and national security.
The Governor assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government, Customs, and other security agencies to promote legal trade at the border.
He added that necessary facilities would be provided to security personnel to ensure smooth movement of people and goods for business operators in the area.
Receiving the vehicles, retired Deputy Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, DCG Jibo Bello, commended Governor Idris for fulfilling his promise.
He assured that the vehicles would be used responsibly and that the Command would work round the clock to address operational bottlenecks.
DCG Bello warned non-state actors against sabotaging the initiative and emphasized the need to develop border communities to foster a sense of belonging among residents.
Speaking on the reopening of the Tsamiya border, he explained that the transit route was designed to facilitate trade without compromising national interest. He warned that any truck found outside the approved transit corridor would be seized.
According to him, the initiative aims to address transit bottlenecks, promote economic prosperity in border communities, and strengthen national security.
He added that Customs would streamline documentation processes and eliminate bottlenecks along key transit routes, including the Illela-Sokoto-Kamba-Niger Republic corridor, as well as routes linking Apapa ports and Nigerian airports to neighboring countries.
DCG Bello described Kebbi State as strategically significant to Nigeria’s security architecture, referencing the historic Gwandu Emirate and its influence across Nigeria and neighboring nations.