President Muhammadu Buhari has approved an extension of the Joint Security Exercise across the borders in the four geo-political zones of the country otherwise known as Exercise Ex Swift Response till January 31, 2020.
It would be recalled that in August 2019, as part of measures to secure Nigeria’s land and maritime borders, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as well as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies began and intelligence agencies began a joint border security exercise codenamed Exercise Ex Swift Response.
The joint security exercise is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and has taken place in the four geo-political zones namely; South-south, South West, North Central and North West.
The Exercise is expected to promote interagency cooperation and increase preparedness to address trans-border security challenges such as terrorism, armed banditry, smuggling, proliferation of small arms and light weapons amongst others.
However, in a Memo addressed to the Sector Coordinators, Joint Border Operation Drill (Exercise Swift Response) Sectors 1, 2 ,3 & 4 by the Comptroller Enforcement, Comptroller Victor David Dimka for Deputy Comptroller General Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, informed that it was observed that despite the overwhelming success of the operation, particularly the security and economic benefits to the nation, a few strategic objectives were yet to be achieved.
“Against this background, Mr. President has approved an extension of the Exercise to 31st January, 2020.
“Consequently, you are requested to convey the development to all personnel for their awareness and guidance.
“Meanwhile, allowances for personal sustenance and fuelling of vehicles for the period of the extension will be paid as soon as possible”, the Memo said.
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