Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu has officially taken over leadership of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with a firm pledge to intensify intelligence-driven operations against smuggling and other illicit activities threatening national security and economic stability.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, Aliyu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for entrusting him with what he described as “a strategic and demanding assignment.”
He commended his predecessor, Muhammed Shuaibu, recently promoted to Assistant Comptroller-General for his “outstanding service and achievements,” assuring that he would build on the successes recorded.
“I assure you that we will consolidate on these achievements for even greater successes, The FOU Zone A plays a critical role in enforcing compliance, suppressing smuggling and safeguarding the economic integrity of our nation.
“ I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come with this position, especially within a zone as strategic, dynamic and challenging as Lagos,” he said.
He expressed confidence in the professionalism and commitment of the officers and men of the unit, adding that their cooperation would be key to sustaining operational momentum.
Aliyu outlined his major priority areas, which include strict professional conduct, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and improved welfare and capacity building for officers.
“Ethics, discipline, integrity and accountability will remain non-negotiable. We will deepen collaboration with sister agencies, community leaders and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
“The motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritized to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness,” he stated.
He added that his leadership approach would be anchored on three cardinal objectives: management change, compliance management and reputation management. Aliyu also promised an open-door policy and urged officers and stakeholders to join hands with him to advance the unit’s mandate.
In his valedictory remarks, outgoing Controller Shuaibu highlighted the unit’s major achievements during his seven-month tenure, which began on April 23, 2025.
He disclosed that FOU Zone A recorded 476 interceptions involving 761 seized items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding ₦10.151 billion.
Notable seizures included:
• 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers)
• 98 used vehicles
• 2,350kg of Cannabis Sativa
• 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
• 15 assorted rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition
• Two industrial drones
• 25kg of crystal methamphetamine
• Four 50kg cylinders of Russian-made explosives
• Seizure of $30,000 and 110 CFA, equivalent to ₦31 million, already forfeited to the Federal Government
Shuaibu also noted the arrest of 38 suspects and the handover of eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at ₦7.5 billion to NAFDAC.
Beyond enforcement, the unit recovered ₦419.2 million through demand notices issued for questionable declarations and undervaluation.
He attributed his successes to stakeholder support and officer dedication, urging them to extend the same cooperation to Aliyu.
“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. Our shared objective remains to strengthen the fight against smuggling. I congratulate my successor and wish him great success as he takes the unit to greater heights,” Shuaibu said.