…Affirms Adeniyi demonstrates exemplary commitment to achieving the Board’s laudable objectives

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has applauded the integrity and transparency of the Comptroller General of Customs CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, noting that the Customs Arrowhead has demonstrated exemplary commitment to achieving laudable objectives of the Customs’ Service Board.

The Minister who stressed the importance of collaboration, particularly between various ministries and the private sector, also noted that the Nigeria Customs Service Board includes representatives from the ministries of Trade and Investment, Foreign Affairs, and Finance; as well as members of the organised private sector. 

He made the observation on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, while presiding over the 60th regular board meeting of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS. The meeting was held at the newly built NCS headquarters in Maitama, Abuja; and was about the first of its kind since the commissioning of the edifice by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

Wale Edun expressed his satisfaction with the board’s adherence to the decision to meet quarterly, describing it as an essential aspect of corporate governance, noting that regular meetings and updates on financial performance were crucial for any government agency seeking to meet its objectives and impact positively on citizens. 

“I think that board meetings serve as an important part of corporate governance and corporate governance is key to running an organisation efficiently as well as providing the necessary direction and management to keep government policies on track”, Wale Edun stated, applauding the integrity and transparency of CGC Adeniyi.

He expressed satisfaction that the Nigeria Customs Service Board NCSB presently provides a forum which, “Ensures that critical national issues are thoroughly discussed and implemented on time”. 

While fielding questions about his feelings, for being the first Minister and NCSB Chairman to have chaired a meeting at the newly built NCS Corporate Headquarters, the Minister took the opportunity to commend the Customs Service on the achievement.

He said: “I congratulate the Nigeria Customs Service on this achievement of not just building a new edifice, but moving into it, making use of it, and keeping it very neat and tidy, and I pray for the success of all those who work at the new facility.

…Logistics suppliers, Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris also arrested, at Kagarko village in Kachia Local Government Area

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully raided yet another terrorist stronghold and rescued students kidnapped at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The Nigerian army in a post on its official X Handle on Friday, said the feat was achieved on Thursday in a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps.

The post revealed that troops also captured a significant cache of arms and ammunition and eliminated some insurgents, while others were captured alive.

It added that the troops engaged the terrorists in an intense firefight and overpowered them, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives.

According to the post, a thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising six males and seven females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, 4 magazines, a locally fabricated rifle and the sum of ₦192,220.00.

“Additionally, five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were recovered. The rescued victims have been promptly evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention,” it added.

Army said that its troops had in another decisive operation, intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village in Kachia Local Government Area of the state.

It added that the troops confiscated the sum of ₦1.3 million, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, eight ATM cards, two Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi and other items from the suspects.

“In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.

“The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralisation of three terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr Musa, were captured alive.

“The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where three AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and the sum of ₦4.07 million were recovered.

“These decisive operations, which culminated in the rescue of abducted persons and the dismantling of terrorist networks, reaffirm the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to eliminate banditry and terrorism, marking a significant victory in the ongoing fight for peace and security across the nation.

“The Chief of Army Staff commended the troops and urged them to sustain the tempo of the offensives across all theatres,” it added.

The inability to control hunger may have landed a 20-year-old man, Samuel John, to six months in prison for stealing beans worth N20,000.

An Ibadan Grade ‘A’ Customary Court on Friday, sentenced Samuel John, after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of housebreaking and stealing.

The Court’s President, Mrs Sukurat Yusuf, sentenced John, without any option of fine and held that the convict should be kept in the Agodi Correctional facility in Ibadan.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Mr Philip Amusan, had told the court that John committed the offences on Sept. 2, at about 6. 00 p.m., in Omi-Adio area, Ibadan.

Amusan said the convict broke into the house of  Mrs Felicia Oni and stole the beans without her consent.

He said the offences contravened Sections 411 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.