Following the report of the ad hoc committee, the senate on Tuesday, asked the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to punish its personnel for misusing firearms at the country’s borders, while also asking the service to reduce the number of checkpoints at border communities to aid free flow of goods.
The Informant247 gathered that the red chamber took these decisions after it adopted the recommendations of an ad hoc committee.
In July, the Senate set up an ad hoc committee to probe the alleged misuse of firearms.
Francis Fadahunsi, the chairman of the committee, while presenting his report, maintained that the comptrollers at the Idiroko and Katsina borders should be replaced with new ones.
He said, “Federal government should direct the comptroller-general of customs and other heads of security agencies to reduce the multiple checkpoints mounted in border communities.”
“It will aid the free flow of goods in and around the communities to the main town.
“Comptroller-general of customs should investigate and review border activities. Officers found guilty of abuse of firearms should be punished.
“Federal government should put into consideration the social bond that exists between the border communities and other foreign countries, such as people of the border community and the people of Benin Republic.
“Federal government should provide basic amenities for people in the affected border communities.
“The senate should commend the Seme area command of Nigeria customs and Saki area command of Nigeria customs for ensuring the cordial relationship between the communities and the commands.
“The CG should investigate the shooting of the convoy of the Katsina chief of staff.”
The committee also recommended that there should be recruitment of border community youths into the service.