The Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale, has warned customs officers against the risky practice of engaging “camp boys” at checkpoints.
During a visit to the Kebbi State Area Command in Birnin Kebbi, Adewale, represented by Assistant Controller General of Zone B, Sambo Kaliyal Dangaladima, stressed that utilising untrained locals, commonly referred to as “camp boys” poses serious security threats.
Dangaladima highlighted that these individuals could serve as informants for criminal networks and smugglers, making it critical that officers avoid any unauthorized support personnel.
“The activities of camp boys are inimical to security at borders and checkpoints. 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,” Dangaladima cautioned, adding that their presence risks undermining the Customs’ efforts to secure Nigeria’s borders effectively.
He reiterated the commitment of the Customs Service, under CG Adewale’s leadership, to safeguarding the welfare and security of its officers.
Dangaladima called on all officers to conduct themselves with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights, emphasising that the integrity of the Customs Service depends on each officer’s adherence to these standards.
In addition to the directive, the ACG inaugurated two new facilities at the Kebbi Command—a modern e-library and a football pitch—intended to enhance the well-being and readiness of the officers.
The Command Comptroller, Ernest Ihejirike, explained that the addition of a football pitch was intended to promote physical fitness and boost morale among the command’s officers, remarking that “all work and no play will dampen the morale and weaken their health status hence the reason to build it in the command.”
