The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A' of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, witnessed a symbolic transition of leadership as the outgoing Comptroller, now Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Mohammed Shuaibu, formally handed over the leadership of the Unit to the new Comptroller, Gambo Aliyu.
In his handing-over address,which was held at the Unit conference hall, ACG Mohammed Shuaibu described the occasion as another significant milestone in his professional journey. He expressed deep appreciation to Almighty God, Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and management team, for the trust and support extended to him throughout his tenure.
According to him, serving as Comptroller of FOU Zone 'A' had been both an honor and a privilege. He commended officers of the Unit for their dedication, resilience, and teamwork, noting that their collective efforts led to notable successes in combating smuggling. “Together, we confronted high-profile challenges and upheld the highest standards of professionalism in addressing emerging issues,” he said.
ACG Shuaibu described his seven months period as eventful and rewarding, adding that the Unit significantly suppressed smuggling activities through strategic operations.
In just seven months, Shuaibu’s FOU Zone A recorded 476 interceptions, seizing 761 items with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of more than N10.151 billion. The haul included 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailer loads), 98 used vehicles, 2,350 kg of cannabis, 1,820 jerry cans of PMS, and 15 rifles with 4,841 rounds of ammunition.
The unit also intercepted two industrial drones, 25 kg of crystal methamphetamine, and four 50-kg Russian-made explosive cylinders. Cash valued at N31 million was secured as final forfeiture to the Federal Government.
The unit arrested 38 suspects during the period and transferred eight containers of expired pharmaceuticals worth N7.5 billion to NAFDAC for regulatory action. Beyond seizures, it recovered N419.2 million through demand notices issued for under-declarations and questionable import documentation—significantly tightening compliance within the Lagos trade corridor.
Aliyu acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with commanding the service’s most active enforcement unit. He identified three pillars that will drive his leadership: management reform, compliance enhancement, and reputation strengthening.
“Discipline, professionalism and integrity will remain absolutely non-negotiable,” he said. “Every officer must reflect the values of the service. Our operations will be firm, fair and intelligence-led.”
The new Comptroller committed to deepening collaboration with sister security agencies, community leaders, and the trading public – insisting that multi-stakeholder cooperation is essential to protecting Nigeria’s borders while facilitating legitimate commerce. He also emphasized officers’ training, motivation, and welfare as key to sustaining high operational performance.
Aliyu adopted an open-door policy and urged officers, traders, and enforcement partners to join him in strengthening FOU Zone A’s role as the nation’s foremost anti-smuggling shield.
He called for unity, dedication, and renewed commitment from officers, assuring them of responsible and constructive engagement with the media. He also wished ACG Shuaibu continued success in his future endeavors.
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