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By Steve Agbota
The outgoing Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Mohammed Shuaibu, has stated that the Unit arrested 38 suspected smugglers with contraband worth over N10 billion between 23 April and 10 December 2025.
Shuaibu disclosed this during a handing-over ceremony held at the Unit yesterday at Ikeja, Lagos, when he handed over the mantle of leadership of the Unit to the newly appointed Area Controller, Aliyu Gambo.
In his address, Shuaibu, who was recently elevated to the position of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG Headquarters), said the unit recovered a total sum of N419 million from under-valuations, false declarations and subsequently issued Demand Notices where necessary.
However, Shuaibu was showered with encomiums and gift presentations by officers and men of the unit. Shuaibu said it was an honour for him to serve in the Unit.
“Today marks another significant milestone in my journey as a Customs officer, as I formally hand over the leadership of the Controller of FOU Zone A to my successor this day. It has been an honour to serve in this capacity. I remain grateful to the Almighty God and to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the confidence reposed in me.
“Upon his resumption of office on the 23rd of April this year, I pledged to deploy my wealth of experience through intelligence-driven operations. We have remained faithful to that commitment. I have witnessed tremendous dedication, resilience and teamwork from our officers.
“These collective efforts resulted in huge successes in our anti-smuggling operations. Together, we confronted high-profile challenges, and we tackled emerging issues. We successfully thwarted the activities of smugglers to a minimal level,” he said.
During this period, he said the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions, including 761 seizures and items valued at N10.1 billion, which include: 38 trailers of foreign parboiled rice, 98 exotic tokunbo vehicles, 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,820 jerry cans of PMS.
Others, he said, included: 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, 2 industrial drones, 25 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 4 cylinders of explosives each weighing 50 kg, $20,000 and 110 CFA amounting to N31 million, which was handed over to the EFCC.
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“A total of 38 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. Additionally, 8 containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.1 billion were intercepted. Through its activities, the unit recovered a total sum of N419 million from under-valuations, false declarations and subsequently issued Demand Notices where necessary.
“As I pass the baton to my successor, I am confident that the foundation we have built will continue to flourish. I urge all officers to extend the same spirit of cooperation, dedication and professionalism to the new Controller to strengthen the fight against smuggling,” he said.
On his part, Gambo Aliyu appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him to serve in the new capacity.
He also commended Shuaibu for his commitment to service and for adding great value to the service mandate.
Compt Gambo assured that the FOU Zone A under his watch would consolidate on the achievements of ACG Shuaibu for even greater successes.
“I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come with this position, especially within the zone as strategic and dynamic as Lagos and its environs. However, I am confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant men and officers of this unit, we would continue to fulfil this mandate diligently.
“As we move forward together, our key focus areas would include, among others, enhanced enforcement operations. We shall intensify intelligence-driven operations to combat smuggling and all forms of illicit trade that threaten national security and economic growth.
“Secondly, high standards of integrity and discipline, as well as accountability, would be non-negotiable. Thirdly, we shall deepen collaboration with the stakeholders, sister agencies and community leaders to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
“On the aspect of capacity building and welfare, the motivation and welfare of officers would be prioritised to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness. Their operations would be underpinned by reputation management, change management and compliance management,” he assured.
