Customs Officers at Apapa Command Undergo Intensive First Aid, Trauma Care Training
Juliet Jacob 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command have completed a rigorous basic first aid training programme, equipping them with critical life-saving skills including CPR, severe bleeding control, gunshot wound response, and basic fracture management.
The one-day capacity-building exercise, held Friday at the command headquarters, was inaugurated by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who described the initiative as a “game-changer” for both official duties and everyday emergencies.
Comptroller Oshoba commended Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for prioritising medical emergency preparedness nationwide.
“I must specifically thank our CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, for prioritising this initiative. These skills matter not only for us as officers but also as parents and members of society,” he said.
He emphasised that initial response during emergencies often determines the victim’s survival outcome.
“First aid intervention frequently decides the difference between life and death, full recovery and permanent disability,” he added.
The CAC encouraged experienced officers to treat the training as a refresher while urging first-timers to maximise the opportunity.
Leading the medical team, Zonal Medical Officer Comptroller Anwe Aku underscored the importance of the training.
“Often, we are the first responders — whether at work, at home or on the road. Acquiring these skills could save lives,” he noted.
The training concluded with hands-on simulations, ensuring officers could competently perform CPR and manage severe bleeding.
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Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 