Lagos- The Western Marine Command, Nigeria Customs Service, says its operations will get a boost as it takes delivery of two sea-going vessels on Sunday.
The Controller of the command, Mr Yusuf Umar, told newsmen in Lagos that the vessels were christened ‘Customs Pride’ and ‘Group of Nine’.
He said the command had already concluded capacity training for some of its operatives while more would be trained as well.
“We are set to take delivery of the vessels because some of our officers have gone on maritime training and back, while more will go for training too,’’ he said.
[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
Umar said that the ‘Group of Nine’ was so named in honour of the nine operatives who lost their lives fighting gallantly against smuggling activities.
“For the ‘Group of Nine, some few years ago some dare-devil smugglers on the sea trapped our officers and killed them.
“The Comptroller-General did this so that we do not forget our fallen heroes. That is why all the names of the fallen heroes are engraved on the vessel ‘Group of Nine’’.
He said the command was also working hard to ensure quick completion of the staff clinic for its staff’ health needs.
He urged the operatives to maintain their tools of operation to ensure optimum usage.
Umar also said that the command had made remarkable seizures of smuggled goods around Badagry and Yekeme axis in the first three months of 2015.
He attributed the success to intelligence report, and added that the duty value of the seized goods were N6.3 million. (NAN)
