Interior Minister welcomes commitment of customs and security forces

Brigadier General Mohamed Toumba, Minister of State for the Interior, Public Security and Territorial Administration, visited the Customs House in Niamey’s Right Bank on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The visit was intended to pay tribute to the excellent work of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Right Bank Customs Administration and its agents, thanking them for the key role they play in the fight against terrorism.

During this visit, the Minister closely observed the recent seizure of 602 motorcycles distributed on two trucks from a port in the Gulf of Guinea. The vehicles had entered Niger without complying with customs procedures and were intercepted by the customs authorities. According to available information, the motorcycles were intended to enhance the capabilities of armed terrorist groups, thus posing a serious threat to national stability.

Brigadier General Mohamed Toumba stressed the critical importance of the operation. He said the seizure was a testament to the unwavering commitment and vigilance of the National Security Service in its mission to secure the Nigerien territory. The minister also insisted on the need to maintain high vigilance at all borders and entry points of the country to prevent any destabilization attempts.

Speaking about the destructive potential of the seized motorcycles, he recalled that the machines could transport up to 1,000 people, equivalent to an armed battalion. The visit also encouraged greater cooperation between the population and security forces. The minister called on citizens to report any suspicious activities and stressed that national security is a joint effort.

The delegation also took the opportunity to inspect a truck recently acquired by Niger Customs equipped with an ultra-sensitive scanner. This equipment is designed to strengthen control over goods entering the territory and constitutes an additional asset for national security.

The seizure and the authorities’ response reflect Niger’s determination to combat all destabilization attempts and to strengthen security throughout the territory.
Boubacar Guédé (Nigerien expatriate)