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| Comptroller GI Aliyu addressing journalists |
By Stella Okocha
Harboursandportcom:Lagos-Nigeria: February 4, 2026: The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A' of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, have announced that the Command just this morning, 3rd of February 2026, lost one of its promising officers, who fell to the cold hands of death in the Service of his Fatherland.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller GI Aliyu disclosed this information today 3rd of February, during his inaugural press briefing as the Comptroller of the unit, and also first interaction with the media in the year 2026, stating that the loss has already been communicated to the Service high Command, even though the cause of death was not revealed.
Comptroller Aliyu also revealed that upon assumption of duty a few weeks ago, he made a clear commitment that we will confront smuggling syndicates with renewed vigour, professional discipline, and complete respect for the rule of law and human dignity. He said the approach would be driven by three guiding principles of Change Management, Compliance Management & Reputational Management, guided by inclusivity.
According to the CAC, "We understood from the very beginning that we could not achieve different results employing the old ways. Therefore, we took a careful review of our operations, deployment patterns, and internal processes to make informed decisions. These include strengthening internal supervision, with clear performance indicators for every team member, reorganizing patrols using intelligence-driven deployment rather than routine predictable checkpoints, particularly within the Lagos metropolis."
While appreciating the presence and continued partnership with the sister agencies, in their shared task in securing the borders, economy, and the safety of the people; he added that the new approach led to significant interception of 144 smuggling attempts with goods of different brands within 5 weeks..
The seized items are includes;
i. 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg each equivalent to eleven (12) trailer loads.
ii. 77 bags of foreign sugar, each weighing 50kg.
iii. 21 unit of assorted Tokunbo vehicles.
iv. 3,362 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil 25 litres each.
v. 20,700 litres of PMS.
vi. 915 bales of used clothing.
vii. 1 X 20FT Container (SUDU 7640333) 20 Pallets of stone coated aluminium roofing sheets.
This act led to the interception of 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica, ‘Ghanaian loud', weighing 1,431kg. Which is a singular move to significantly disrupted their supply chains networks. According to him, "These efforts occurred against the backdrop of spiralling incidences of banditry, terrorism and pervasive societal vices that threaten national stability".
"Drug trafficking fuels these threats by providing chemical catalyst such as Methamphetamine and others that embolden perpetrators, erode morale and destabilize the nation. The effects ripple through public spaces, increase health burdens from addiction related illnesses, with attendant economic losses from youth unemployment among others. Considering the dangers involved in drug usage and its effect on our society, I urge perpetrators of this illicit trade to be patriotic enough to change their ways and embrace legitimate trade or face the consequences of their actions, as our determination is resolute".
In line with the commitment of the NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, the seized 3029 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 1, 425kg was handed over today, 3rd Feb 26 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
He enjoined the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illicit trade to the units help desk, stating that all such reports will be handled in strict confidentiality.
Other notable seizures within the period under review, were four (4) live pangolins intercepted along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete; and were since handed to Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping. This effort underscores our country's commitment to enforcing wildlife protection laws and discouraging trade in endangered species.
The Unit Boss also highlighted that the Seizure of 581 (Five Hundred and Eighty-One) used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle, was a vital win for Nigeria's environment and public safety, considering its effects on environment, and this move reaffirms our commitment to the Basel Convention (1989).
"Both Section 55(1), (d) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023) & the Basel Convention relates to the control of Trans boundary hazardous waste movements, to protect developing nations like Nigeria. Used Compressors often carry hazardous oils, refrigerants, and residues that leach toxins into soil and emit Green House Gases (GHGs) like Carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide among others that deplete the ozone layer, if not properly disposed. Section 55(1), (d) of NCS Act (2023) authorizes the seizure of prohibited imports that threaten the environment. This aligns our laws with international best practice in environmental protection" he explained.
A total number of Eight (8) suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of N 3,319.893,255.00 (Three Billion, Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira) only.
Aliyu added that the NCS remains committed in its efforts to combat smuggling, other forms of illicit trans-border crimes. He pointed that the achievements recorded testify to the unwavering dedication to protecting the economy and citizenry; stating the will to continue to enforce government fiscal policy and uphold professionalism in the conduct of their duties. He also expresses that the unit will synergise, collaborate & partner with OGA & sister security agencies, including stakeholders and border communities to suppress smuggling.
Similarly, In addition to these laudable achievements, the unit continues to enforce import and export compliance by addressing issues of misdeclaration of cargo and some Demand Notices (DN) were issued.; and between 10th December 2025- till date, a total of N 36,891,826 (Thirty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira) only was recovered.
"Our core mandate is to strengthen the integrity of the supply chain, through a rigorous gap analysis. We have undertaken to sustaining an enforcement tactics to root out economic saboteurs, as we remain committed to facilitating legitimate trade" CAC Aliyu.
Compt. Aliyu expressed his profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and the Management team for the opportunity to serve as comptroller FOU A, reassuring his commitment to fulfilling the obligations to the best of his ability. He also commends his dedicated officers, urging them to maintain this momentum
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