ICPC, Customs partner to share intelligence on smuggling in Borno, Yobe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has partnered with the Nigeria Customs Service, Borno/Yobe Command, to enhance intelligence sharing aimed at identifying corrupt individuals and public officials involved in the smuggling of contraband goods.

Addressing journalists shortly after a sensitisation meeting with personnel of the service in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Borno and Yobe States, Linus Gubbi, said the partnership was aimed at fighting corruption and promoting transparency in government.

According to him, the meeting formed part of the agency’s advocacy activities for agencies, departments, and institutions of government on the impact of corruption on public service and national development.

He said, “We cannot develop as a nation without revenue, and that is why we are here to partner and strengthen the bond between ICPC and the Customs Service so that we can have a country where resources are efficiently used for the betterment of citizens.

“Once officers and men are educated and the partnership is strengthened, there will be intelligence sharing, especially on corrupt individuals who may want to cut corners or operate in contravention of established statutes and laws in relation to the importation of contraband goods and other activities that threaten national security.”

Gubbi noted that the partnership would also enhance the capacity of both agencies in managing smuggled and contraband products.

“As part of our mandate of enforcement, prevention and public enlightenment, this is among the sensitisation programmes we have been carrying out in government agencies, departments and other institutions to educate ourselves on issues of corrupt practices, especially as it relates to the Customs Service, in a transparent and accountable way that ensures proper verification of declared goods and identification of contraband items,” he added.

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He, however, called on members of the service to adhere to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in their operations.

“Our call to officers and men of the Customs in Borno State is for them to do the right thing even when nobody is supervising them. They must adhere to whatever they do to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability, and ensure they follow the guidelines and rules set by their service,” he said.

On his part, the Comptroller of the Borno/Yobe Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, A.M. Idris, commended the sensitisation exercise, describing it as a reminder of the values of integrity and accountability expected in the service.

He said, “The lecture underscores the commitment of the two agencies to collaborate and build a public service that can be trusted by Nigerians. Integrity and accountability are not options or burdens; they are part of what protects the reputation of our service. What they have come here to do is to remind us, help us identify vulnerabilities, and align ourselves with modern ways of doing things.”

Idris explained that the gains from the partnership would further strengthen operations in the interest of the states and the nation at large.

“You can hear from the vote of thanks from our officer that they are well informed, and I believe they will become ambassadors of integrity, which will ultimately promote the Borno/Yobe Command and the nation at large,” he added.