Police, Customs parley against criminalities in port, solicit information sharing 

Western Port Police Command and Nigeria customs Service have on Thursday resolved to share information in effective policing of the Lagos seaport for seamless port operations.

This is so as it is confirmed that about 60 percent of people coming into the port have criminal tendencies

The duo reached the compromise when the Customs Area Controller (CAC), PTML command, Comptroller Suleiman Bomai visited the Commissioner of Police, Western Port, CP Jonathan Towuru at the command headquarters in Apapa.

The two agencies’ heads expressed concerns over ensuring smooth port operations as well as facilitating the ease of doing business policy of government.

Speaking, CP Towuru noted that the security is paramount I’m port operations and all relevant government agencies saying collaboration would ease curtailing crime in the port corridor.

He assured that the port would continue to provide round the clock security for stakeholders and operators.

Be believes that information sharing between two agencies was essential even as he lauded the cooperation between the duo before hand. He called for further synergy between them to strengthen security in the port.

His words, ”We have a role to play and the customs also has a role to play in securing our ports. We have to complement ourselves on the ease of doing business. If the port thrives the economy will benefit from it because revenue will be generated and employment of Nigerians will increase.”

Speaking earlier, Comptroller Bomai disclosed that Service still remains a baby of the police saying that two police officers started what is today known as customs.

Comptroller Bomai added that police  play paramount role as lead agency on security matters in the ports operations pointing out that the common goal from the government on national security must be achieved.

The PTML Command Controller noted that inter agency cooperation is key adding that  formal and informal synergizes must be held high in galvanising the existing relationship with sister agencies.

He also frowned at inter-agencies rivalry in port operations noting that cooperation and collaboration was key to achieving success in policing the ports.

He said : “The task of policing the seaports is more difficult than the conventional policing in the country. Without inter-agencies collaboration in this country there is no way we can move forward.”