By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
Ahead of the April general elections in the country, the Nigerian Custom Service, NCS, says it has acquired two helicopters, 380 units of Toyota Hilux and also ordered the importation of ammunition (AK47 rifles) to be used in beefing up security and patrol the border areas.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Alhaji Abdulahi Dikko, who disclosed this while briefing men and officers of the Cross River State Command of the Service said NCS was ready to maintain security at the country’s borders and ensure that there would be no illegal immigrant before, during and after the elections.

On the readiness of the service for the forthcoming general elections, he said: “We are well prepared. We just acquired 380 units of Toyota Hilux and we have two helicopters hovering around the borders, so we are well prepared.”

According to him, the expected shipment of AK47 from China will be used to maintain security and the officers to handle the rifles will be adequately trained so that they will not use it to waste the lives of innocent Nigerians.

“Very soon we will commence the training of officers that will handle the AK47 which is only meant for protection. It is not for you to use it and kill innocent citizens. Don’t kill anybody. Each life of every Nigerian is very important to us and you. So soon you will embark on training on how to handle the AK47”,  he declared.

Alhaji Dikko also announced that the present uniform being used by the Service will be changed so that they will have something better.

His words, “While in China, they informed us (him and the Deputy Comptroller_General) that they have seen a uniform better than what we are using. I gave them the go ahead, not only to bring sample, but make a sample with them, sow it in Ghana so that when we see it in their body, then we will appreciate it. It is better than the khaki we are wearing.

He also said that he has sent out alert to officers over the proposed housing scheme to ensure that at the point of retirement, no officer will be without a house, adding that officers of the commission will be free to choose a house where they want.

“I have given you an alert that there is going to be workers housing scheme. What we are saying is that the life officers of customs live now must change. It will not be good when you retire, you become a clearing agent. Prepare your life from now. We are going to embark on the housing scheme whereby each and every one of you will have a house in a place of your choice”, he said.

Dikko frowned at the poor revenue generation from the command and advised members to block all loopholes that smugglers use to perfect their nefarious activities so that the Service will be able to provide them all their welfare packages.

Speaking earlier, the Comptroller in charge of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States Command Alhaji Alu Sule said the area generated N2.8 billion and expressed hope that the commands will double the amount.