Customs FOU intercepts over N10billion goods

The outgoing Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Mohammed Shuaibu, said in Lagos yesterday, that the Unit intercepted prohibited goods worth over N10 billion between 23rd of April and December 10, this year.

Shuaibu disclosed this during a brief handing over ceremony held at the Unit.

At the ceremony, Shuaibu, who was recently elevated to the position of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG Headquarters, handed over the mantle of leadership of the Unit to the newly appointed Area Controller, Aliyu Gambo.

At the colorful event, Shuaibu was showered with encomium and gift presentations by officers and men of the unit.

In his address,  Shuaibu said it was an honour for him to serve in the Unit.

According to him: “Today marks another significant milestone in my journey as a customs officer, as I formally handover the leadership of the Controller of FOU Zone A to my successor this day 10th December 2025.

“It has been an honor 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 23rd of April this year, Shuaibu said, “I pledged to deploy my wealth of experience through intelligence driven operation, we have remained faithful to that commitment. I have witness tremendous dedication, resilience and team work from our officers.”

These collective efforts, Shuaibu added “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.

During this period, he said, “ the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions including 761 seizures and items valued at N10.1billion, these include; 38 trailers of foreign parboiled rice, 98 exotic tokunbo vehicles, 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,820 Jerrycans of PMS.

Others, he said, “ included; 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, 2 industrial drones, 25kg of crystal methamphetamine, 4 cylinders of explosives each weighing 50kg, 20,000USD and 110CFA amounting to N31million which was handed over to the EFCC.

“A total of 38 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, additionally 8 containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.1billion were intercepted.

“Through its activities, the unit recovered a total sum of N419million from under-valuations, false declarations and subsequently issued Demand Notices where necessary.

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“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.

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 these mandates diligently.”

As we move forward together, he said, “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 threatens 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, Gambo said, would be underpinned by reputation management, change management and compliance management.