The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has issued a stern warning to Customs officers, advising them to avoid employing “camp boys” for tasks at border checkpoints.
Represented by Assistant Comptroller General Sambo Kaliyal Dangaladima during a visit to the Kebbi State Area Command in Birnin Kebbi, Adeniyi emphasized that reliance on these unofficial aides could compromise security operations.
Dangaladima highlighted the dangers associated with using “camp boys” for border errands, stressing that their presence could aid smugglers and other criminal activities.
“Employing camp boys as errand runners can seriously undermine security efforts at our borders, as they may act as informants for smugglers,” he explained.
The CG also pointed out that “camp boys” lack formal recognition within the Customs framework, making their activities a liability to border security. “Customs officers are hereby warned to desist forthwith from using them as errand boys as they grow to look like customs officers to unsuspecting members of the public,” he stated.
In addition, Dangaladima assured that under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Customs Service remains committed to improving the welfare of its officers.
He encouraged the Kebbi Command to bolster partnerships with local stakeholders, traditional authorities, and other security agencies to enhance border security.
“You must also engage with our communities, listen to their concerns, and address their needs. This is crucial in building trust and fostering a culture of cooperation,” Dangaladima said.
During the visit, the CG commissioned an e-library and a newly constructed football pitch for the Kebbi Command. Kebbi Command Comptroller, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, remarked that the football pitch was designed to support officers’ physical well-being, noting, “All work and no play will dampen the morale and weaken the health status of our men.”
