FOUR WEEKS AFTER HIS REDEPLOYMENT, ACG OLADEJI FINALLY HANDS OVER TO D/COMPT ALIYU AS NEW NATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR OF OPERATION WHIRLWIND
The new National Co-ordinator of the Operation whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller AL Aliyu officially took over today after ACG Oladeji in his characteristic manner refused handing over, one month after the Comptroller General redeployed him as ACG, Enforcement, Investigation & Inspection ( E I&I).
At the event, he merely said he was ‘stepping aside’ but equally asked operatives of the Whirlwind to accord the new National Co-ordinator maximum co-operation as was extended to him. He said he would still provide intelligence to the Team, whether he is in or out.
The said handover was unique as no seizure profile was handed over to the new helmsman neither was any document.
The Operation Whirlwind was like headed by two officers in the last one month owing to the unnecessary delay in the handing over until last Friday when the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR gave marching orders to the ACG to hand over unfailingly today.
A meeting of various commanders nationwide was summoned last week by the new Co-ordinator but was quickly cancelled soon after the former Co-ordinator realized that it was not decent to allow the meeting when he has not handed over to his successor.
The confusion on who was actually in charge between ACG Oladeji and Deputy Comptroller Aliyu weakened the morale of some of the operatives as they didn’t know who to take orders from. With the hand over done today, seizure profile is expected to go up in the next few weeks.
In his acceptance speech today, the new National Co-ordinator, Deputy Compt Aliyu deposed, “I stand before you today with deep humility, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility as I formally accept the appointment as National Coordinator of Operations Whirlwind, following the successful tenure of our highly respected Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs.
First and foremost, I give thanks to God Almighty for His grace and guidance. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs and the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for the confidence reposed in me to shoulder this critical national assignment.
Operations Whirlwind occupies a strategic position in the Nigeria Customs Service’s fight against petroleum product smuggling—an illicit activity that undermines national revenue, energy security, and economic stability. The achievements recorded under the leadership of the outgoing National Coordinator are commendable and worthy of recognition. Sir, your vision, discipline, and commitment have laid a solid foundation upon which we shall continue to build. I sincerely thank you for your exemplary service and mentorship.
As I assume this responsibility, I do so with a clear understanding of the enormity of the task ahead. I assure the Management and the entire Service that I am fully committed to consolidating on existing gains, strengthening intelligence-driven operations, deepening inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring that Operations Whirlwind remains proactive, professional, and results-oriented.
I firmly believe that success in this assignment will depend on teamwork, integrity, and unwavering dedication. I therefore call on all officers and men of Operations Whirlwind to remain disciplined, loyal, and resolute in the discharge of our duties. I hereby do solicit for the same corporation you gave to the out-going National coordinator. Together, we must continue to uphold the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service and operate within the bounds of the law, professionalism, and accountability.
I also look forward to sustained cooperation from sister security agencies and stakeholders, whose partnership is indispensable in winning the fight against petroleum smuggling and other economic crimes.
In conclusion, I once again express my gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Management, and the outgoing National Coordinator for this opportunity to serve. I pledge my absolute loyalty to the Service and my total commitment to the success of Operations Whirlwind and the economic well-being of our great nation.”
Thank you, and God bless the Nigeria Customs Service.