At last, Customs commissions anti-smuggling vessels after four years 

Barring any last minute change of mind, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded plans to commission the much talked about sea going vessels which have been under the custody of the Nigerian Navy.The vessels, MV Group of Nine and MV Customs Pride are to be deployed to both the Eastern and Western Commands of the service.

The vessels purchased under the administration of Abdullahi Dikko have been lying fallow at the Marina Jetty and later to the Naval Dockyard sinçe then.

The Comptroller General of the Service , Col. Hameed Ali and top officials of the Nigerian Navy will be on ground for the commissioning of the vessels.

It was also gathered that Group of Nine will be deployed to the Western Command, while Customs Pride will be deployed to the Eastern Command.

It would be recalled that a total of 40 personnel from both the eastern and western commands were trained on how to man the vessels recently.

The officers and men who were trained on weapon handling and swimming techniques are to commence operations  as soon as the vessels are commissioned.

The vessels, a source said have been fixed with gunnery and other necessary gadgets for effective fight against smuggling.

The commissioning is said to hold at the Naval Dockyard where the vessels have been anchored all the while