FOU Zone A GETS NEW COMPTROLLER, ALIYU, VOWS TO INTENSIFY ANTI – SMUGGLING EFFORTS
Customs FOU Zone A Gets New Comptroller, Aliyu Vows to Intensify Anti-Smuggling Efforts
By Babatunde Aremu
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has a new Comptroller, Gambo Aliyu, who has vowed to intensify intelligence-driven operations to combat smuggling and other illicit trade activities threatening Nigeria’s economy and security. The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos ¹.
Aliyu, who was previously the Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for the trust and responsibility placed in him. He commended his predecessor, ACG Muhammed Shuaibu, for his exemplary service and achievements, promising to build on the solid foundation laid ².
During his tenure, Shuaibu recorded significant successes, including 476 interceptions and seizures valued at over N10.151 billion. Some of the notable seizures included 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 98 used vehicles, 2,350 kg of cannabis, and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The unit also recovered N419.2 million through demand notices on under-declared imports ³.
Aliyu emphasized that his administration would prioritize professionalism, discipline, and integrity, with a focus on enhancing stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and officer welfare. He assured stakeholders and the trading public that justice, equity, and fairness would guide the unit’s actions at all times. The new Comptroller also pledged to maintain an open-door policy, encouraging collaboration with sister security agencies, community leaders, and the trading public ⁴.
Aliyu’s appointment signals a renewed phase of aggressive border policing, intelligence gathering, and operational restructuring at FOU Zone A, as the Nigeria Customs Service recalibrates its strategy against smuggling, revenue leakages, and organized cross-border crime ⁵.
