Comptroller Aliyu Gambo has officially assumed leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A, Lagos.
In his maiden address, Gambo thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs for the confidence placed in him and praised his predecessor, ACG Mohammed Shuaibu, for the remarkable impact he had on the unit.
The new comptroller pledged to consolidate on Shuaibu’s achievements and outlined a clear agenda for the unit. He emphasized strengthened enforcement through intelligence-driven operations, a steadfast commitment to integrity, discipline, and accountability, and enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and community leaders.
Gambo also highlighted plans to improve officer welfare and capacity building while instituting robust reputation, change, and compliance management systems, assuring that FOU Zone A would continue to excel in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and economic interests.
Shuaibu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General at the NCS Headquarters, reflected on his tenure as a period marked by significant anti-smuggling breakthroughs and intelligence-led operations.
Since taking office on April 23, under his leadership the unit intercepted hundreds of illicit goods, including 38 trailers of foreign parboiled rice, 98 used exotic vehicles, over two tons of Cannabis Sativa, and nearly two thousand jerrycans of petrol.
Law enforcement efforts also led to the seizure of firearms and ammunition, industrial drones, crystal methamphetamine, industrial explosives, expired pharmaceuticals worth billions of naira, and the arrest of 38 suspects.
Additionally, demand notices on under-valued and falsely declared goods recovered N419 million, while funds amounting to $20,000 and 110 CFA (approximately ₦31 million) were handed over to the EFCC.
Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the CGC for the opportunity to serve and urged officers to extend full cooperation to his successor. The handover ceremony also featured special presentations from the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, COWA, FOU Zone A Chapter, and gifts from officers in appreciation of Shuaibu’s exemplary leadership.
