Comptroller Gambo Aliyu has officially taken over the helm of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), vowing to deepen intelligence-driven operations and strengthen the fight against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade threatening Nigeria’s economy and national security.
Aliyu assumed duty on Wednesday during a formal handover ceremony at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, where he expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for the confidence reposed in him to lead one of the Service’s most strategic and sensitive formations.
He paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Controller of the unit, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Muhammed Shuaibu, describing his tenure as impactful and result-oriented. Aliyu pledged to consolidate on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor in order to deliver even greater operational successes.
“I wish to assure you that we will build on these remarkable achievements for even greater success,” Aliyu said. “FOU Zone ‘A’ occupies a pivotal position in the enforcement architecture of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in suppressing smuggling, enforcing compliance and safeguarding the economic integrity of our great nation.”
He acknowledged the enormity of the responsibility before him, noting that the Lagos axis and its surrounding environment remain highly strategic, dynamic and operationally demanding.
“I am fully aware of the challenges inherent in this command. However, with the unwavering cooperation, professionalism and dedication of the gallant officers and men of this Unit, I am confident that we will continue to discharge our mandate diligently and effectively,” he stated.
Outlining his operational roadmap, the new Controller emphasized professionalism, discipline and ethical conduct as non-negotiable pillars of his administration. He stressed that accountability and integrity would define every aspect of the unit’s operations.
“High standards of ethics, discipline, transparency and accountability must be upheld at all times. Every officer is expected to conduct himself or herself in a manner that reflects the core values and noble traditions of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
Aliyu also underscored the importance of robust stakeholder engagement, noting that collaboration with sister security agencies, community leaders and the trading public would be intensified to strengthen border security, disrupt smuggling networks and facilitate legitimate trade.
He further assured officers that their welfare and capacity development would remain a top priority. According to him, a motivated and well-trained workforce is essential for improved efficiency, operational readiness and sustainable success.
“The welfare and motivation of our personnel will receive the attention it deserves. When officers are well-supported, productivity and effectiveness naturally improve,” he added.
The Controller reassured stakeholders and the business community that the Unit’s operations under his watch would be guided strictly by justice, equity and fairness. He explained that his leadership would be anchored on three cardinal objectives: change management, compliance management and reputation management.
“These objectives will ensure that our operations remain professional, credible and aligned with the broader vision of the Nigeria Customs Service,” Aliyu said, calling on officers and stakeholders to support him in delivering on this mandate.
He also promised to operate an open-door policy, encouraging constructive engagement and feedback to strengthen the unit’s performance.
Earlier in his valedictory address, outgoing Controller ACG Muhammed Shuaibu reflected on the Unit’s achievements during his seven-month tenure, which commenced on April 23, 2025. He disclosed that the Unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions involving 761 seized items, with an aggregate Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦10.151 billion.
Among the major seizures were 23,000 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 38 trailer loads; 98 used (“tokunbo”) vehicles; 2,350 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa; and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Other significant interceptions included 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, two industrial drones, 25 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and four Russian-made explosive cylinders weighing 50kg each. He also revealed the seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA francs, valued at about ₦31 million, which has since been secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Shuaibu further disclosed that 38 suspects were arrested during the period, while eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at ₦7.5 billion were handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Beyond enforcement activities, the outgoing Controller noted that the unit recovered a total of ₦419,202,458.85 through demand notices issued on suspect declarations and under-valuations, thereby strengthening compliance with import and export regulations.
He attributed these successes to the dedication of officers and the support of critical stakeholders, urging them to extend the same level of cooperation to the new Controller.
“I am confident that the solid foundation we have built will continue to grow,” Shuaibu said. “Our collective goal remains the sustenance of prudent stewardship and a stronger, more effective fight against smuggling. I congratulate my successor and wish him every success. I have no doubt that his leadership will bring fresh perspectives and drive further progress in this critical command.”
The ceremony marked a seamless transition of leadership at FOU Zone ‘A’, with expectations high that Comptroller Aliyu’s tenure will further strengthen the Unit’s role as a frontline force against smuggling and economic sabotage.