TWERKING OF OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES AT FOU ’A’ ; AS COMPT ALIYU DECLARES N3.3 BILLION SEIZURES IN SIX WEEKS
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
After a careful review of its operations, the Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) zone A, Compt Gambo Aliyu disclosed that his officers and men intercepted several brands of prohibited items to the tune of N3.319 billion in the last six weeks.
Accordingly, between December 10 and 31st 2025, a total of N36, 391,826 was recovered.
In his maiden briefing today in Lagos, Aliyu said; they understood from the very beginning that they could not achieve different results employing the old ways. Therefore, they took a careful review of their 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.
He said that this approach led to significant interception of 144 smuggling attempts with goods of different brands. These items are:
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.
He noted that, amidst rising crime and criminality in our country today, the unit under his watch intensifies the onslaught against drug trafficking syndicates within their Area of responsibility, through the interception of 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica, ‘Ghanaian loud’, weighing 1,431kg. This singular move significantly disrupted supply chains networks. These efforts occurred against the backdrop of spiralling incidences of banditry, terrorism and pervasive societal vices that threaten national stability. Relative to these operations, the Command just this morning, 3 Feb 26, lost one of its promising officers, who fell to the cold hands of death in the Service of our Fatherland. This loss has already been communicated to the Service high Command.
He stressed that 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, he urges 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 their determination is resolute.
Other notable seizures within the period under review include, four (4) live pangolins intercepted along the waterways of Alapa Creek, Ajilete. The seized endangered species, which are the most endangered mammals in the world, 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.
According to him, the Seizure of 581 (Five Hundred and Eighty-One) used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle. This seizure is a vital win for Nigeria’s environment and public safety, considering its effects on environment, and this move reaffirms their 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 said that 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.
The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed in its efforts to combat smuggling, other forms of illicit trade and trans-border crimes. The achievements recorded testify to their unwavering dedication to protecting our economy and citizenry. They will continue to enforce government fiscal policy and uphold professionalism in the conduct of their duties. The unit will synergise, collaborate & partner with OGA & sister security agencies, including stakeholders and border communities to suppress smuggling.
He stated that in line with the commitment of the NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, the seized 3029 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 1, 425kg will be handed over today, 3rd Feb 26 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. They enjoin the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illicit trade to the units help desk. All such reports will be handled in strict confidentiality.
He said 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. Between 10th December 2025- 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. Their core mandate is to strengthen the integrity of the supply chain, through a rigorous gap analysis.
According to him, they have undertaken to sustaining an enforcement tactics to root out economic saboteurs, as they remain committed to facilitating legitimate trade.
In conclusion, he expressed his profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD Psc (+) and the Management team for this opportunity to serve as comptroller FOU A. They remain committed to fulfilling their obligations to the best of their ability. To their dedicated officers, he commends them and urge them to maintain this momentum. He also extends sincere appreciation to the media for their continued support.