At military training programme in Koutaba: Customs DG commends physical, disciplinary transformation of personnel.

Fongod Edwin was accompanied by senior administrative and military officials including the Second Assistant Senior Divisional Officer of Noun, Junior Désiré Tchutchouamo; the Commander of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR, Brigadier General Elie Romance Mezui Zo’o; the Head of the Joint Operational Centres at Defence Staff, Colonel Martin Luther Ashetkuemun Mounchingam; and the Commander of the BTAP, Colonel Georges Clément Zo’o Messougla.

During the DG’s evaluation visit, it was revealed that 90% of the objectives set out during the launch on September 5, have already been achieved.

It was said that the 2026 Customs PMS programme has transformed the 240 trainees, comprising 104 women and 136 men. 

Moulded by 45 BTAP instructors, the officials said the selection reflected an intergenerational commitment with the youngest cohort aged 18 and the oldest 43.

In his speech, Fongod expressed gratitude to the various military instructors for the grooming of the customs personnel. 

He then applauded the 240 trainees for their endurance, sacrifice and discipline demonstrated during the training. 

“The transformation is remarkable. My thanks also go to their supervisors and the BTAP instructors, who spare no effort in moulding this elite customs force,” Fongod said. 

In addition, he appreciated the Minister of Defence for his decisive institutional support to the Customs administration through such training programmes. 

For his part, the Director of Training, Captain Elvis Ebou, presented an overview of the training course, centred on three fundamental areas, notably technical, physical and discipline.

He said on the aspect of military technicality, the trainees are being groomed on the ins and outs of international humanitarian law, topography, communications, engineering, field camping and the handling of weapons.

On the physical aspect, he acknowledged that while the majority of trainees struggled to run 5km previously, they completed an 8km cross-country run. 

“Training sessions have increased from 5km to 25km such as the one from Foumban to Koutaba on October 9,” he told the Customs DG.

To boost the moral and discipline of the officers and ensuring maximum concentration, he said their mobile phones were confiscated from the very first day and the Customs personnel have registered an 85% discipline rate characterised by punctuality, absolute respect and a strengthened sense of cohesion.

With the training course is expected to end in November, the military instructors are aiming to achieve 100% of the objectives by intensifying weapons training, improving physical fitness and strengthening team spirit.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3951 of Monday October 26, 2026