Comptroller Gambo Aliyu Assumes Leadership of Customs FOU Zone A, Vows Tougher Anti-Smuggling Operations

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu has officially taken over as the new head of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), pledging to strengthen intelligence-driven operations against smuggling and other illicit trade activities threatening Nigeria’s security and economic stability.

The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, where Aliyu expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for entrusting him with the strategic assignment. He also commended his predecessor, Muhammed Shuaibu recently elevated to Assistant Comptroller General—for his record of achievements.
Aliyu assured that he would build on Shuaibu’s progress, noting the critical role FOU Zone A plays in enforcing compliance and safeguarding the nation’s economic integrity, especially within Lagos and its surrounding corridors.

“With the cooperation and professionalism of our gallant officers and men, we will continue to fulfill this mandate diligently,” he said.



Comptroller Aliyu outlined several areas that will shape his administration:

Professionalism and Discipline: Officers are expected to uphold strict ethics, integrity, and accountability.

Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration: Enhanced engagement with sister agencies, community leaders, and the trading public to improve border security and trade facilitation.

Capacity Building and Welfare: Prioritizing officer welfare to enhance operational readiness and performance.


Aliyu further emphasized a leadership approach anchored on management change, compliance management, and reputation management, promising to maintain an open-door policy throughout his tenure.

Outgoing Controller Reflects on Seven Months of Major Achievements

In his valedictory speech, outgoing Controller ACG Shuaibu highlighted significant accomplishments recorded between April 23, 2025, and his handover date. These include:

476 interceptions resulting in 761 seized items worth over ₦10.151 billion in Duty Paid Value.

 Key seizures during his period in office were:

23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailers)

98 used vehicles

2,350 kg of cannabis

1,820 jerry cans of PMS

15 rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition

Two industrial drones

25 kg of crystal methamphetamine

Four 50kg cylinders of Russian-made explosives

$30,000 and 110 CFA, totaling ₦31 million, secured for final forfeiture.



Shuaibu also noted that 38 suspects were arrested, while eight containers of expired pharmaceuticals valued at ₦7.5 billion were handed over to NAFDAC. Additionally, the unit recovered ₦419.2 million through demand notices issued for questionable declarations and undervaluation.

He attributed the successes to strong stakeholder collaboration and the dedication of officers, urging continued support for Comptroller Aliyu.

“I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish,” Shuaibu concluded.

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