NIPOST INTERCEPTS OVER N6B NEGOTIABLE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IN 2010

ABOUT N6.5 billion worth of negotiable financial instruments was intercepted in 2010 by the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). This is against the N24 billion recorded in 2009.

Postmaster-General of the Federation, Mallam Ibrahim Mori Baba, who disclosed this in Abuja, expressed concern over the increasing rate of crime in the country, adding that NIPOST would meet with the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service with a view to dedicating a Private Mail Bag in each state capital and the Federal Capital Territory to assist them in intelligence gathering, analysis and verification, which he believes will help in preventing criminal activities.

The NIPOST boss explained that the rise in crime rate in recent times has made it imperative for public institutions to take proactive measures to safeguard their establishments and facilities.

He noted that NIPOST's collaboration with relevant stakeholders like the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission assisted greatly in the reduction of criminal activities perpetrated through the post.

Mallam Mori Baba explained that the efforts deployed by NIPOST to combat criminality in Postal establishments throughout the country led to the seizure of bullet proof vests, fire arms, cartridges and rubber bullets adding that the agency would make the security of Post offices, postal facilities and mail items its top priority in 2011.

Mori Baba also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to assist the Federal Government in its efforts to make Nigeria a peaceful and secure country, which will in turn bring about socio-economic growth and development.

He promised that Nigerians would witness an improvement in the quality of postal services with the on-going automation of counter operations and purchase of new mail delivery vehicles.