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

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has joined forces with the Nigeria Customs Service, Borno/Yobe Command, to bolster intelligence sharing against smuggling. This partnership is designed to identify corrupt individuals and public officials engaged in the illicit trade of contraband goods.

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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.

Linus Gubbi, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Borno and Yobe States, stated that the collaboration is crucial for fighting corruption and fostering transparency within government operations. He emphasized that a nation's development hinges on its revenue, and this partnership will strengthen the bond between the ICPC and Customs. This will facilitate intelligence sharing, particularly concerning individuals attempting to circumvent laws related to importing contraband and activities that threaten national security.

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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 further explained that the initiative will enhance the capacity of both agencies in managing smuggled and contraband products. He noted that the ICPC's mandate includes enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment, and this sensitisation program is part of their ongoing efforts to educate government agencies on corruption's impact. The goal is to ensure proper verification of declared goods and identification of contraband items through transparent and accountable processes.

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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 urged Customs officers to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in their duties, even without direct supervision. A.M. Idris, the Comptroller of the Borno/Yobe Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, commended the sensitisation exercise, recognizing it as a vital reminder of these core values.

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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.