After completing training programme: Customs graduates 2024 contingent of Higher Military Preparation programme.

This batch of trainees completed a three-month course under the supervision of the Commander of the Airborne Troops Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Zo'o Messougla Georges Clément.

The event, which was attended by the Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonka Augustine, was chaired by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Finance, Yaouba Abdoulaye, on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze. 

In his keynote address, Minister Yaouba Aboulaye praised the synergy existing between the different government ministries, reflected in their support for the development of careers and the renewal of field staff within the National Customs Service.

He then appreciated the different instructors for their devotion, professionalism and loyalty in grooming the customs staff who came in as civilians but are leaving as soldiers.

“My congratulations to the contingent of 75 Customs personnel who were admitted to the Customs Higher Military Preparation course at the Koutaba Airborne Troops Battalion from 27 April to 25 June 2024,” the minister said. 

He equally saluted the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, for allowing Customs personnel to take part in specialised training sessions at the International School for Security Forces, EIFORCES, and the Yaounde International War College, ESIG. 

Through this, he said, the Ministry of Defence, MINDEF, is supporting the process of re-founding Cameroon Customs, with a view to its full integration into the national defence and security community.

“The future of MINDEF-MINFI cooperation is therefore vast. Time will allow us to strengthen our ties and support this synergy methodically for the peace, unity and development of our country, Cameroon,” he asserted.

Tasks trainees

He then praised the trainees for the resilience in training and signs of confidence and mastery of the different courses.

“We have field officers who are capable of carrying out their missions of security and protection of society. The art of soldiering is in them,” he stated. 

The minister delegate reminded the trainees that as agents of the auxiliary force, they must be disciplined, which is the strength of the army.

“You must be professional, patriotic officers, concerned with peace and security, committed to the prosperity of the national economy and devoted to serving the republican institutions,” he stated. 

Training programme

The Customs PMS is aimed at raising trainees’ awareness on national defence and security issues as part of their training, and to provide them with some technical and tactical knowledge that would enable them to immerse themselves in the military profession.

The trainees were drilled in the following subjects: military regulations and moral training; command and administration training; tactics (combat); topography; weaponry; shooting instruction with practical sessions; transmissions; mines and booby traps; close order; physical and military training; peacekeeping; international humanitarian law; hygiene and first aid.

This PMS was placed under the general supervision of Colonel Djella Youndje Parfait, Deputy Chief of Operations at the Armed Forces General Staff, SCO EMA, designated Focal Point of Customs 2024 PMS.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3151 of Thursday June 27, 2024