ACG TAKO BOWS OUT IN STYLE; AS D/COMPT MAMMAN ALI TAKES CHARGE AT ADAMAWA/ TARABA COMMAND, PLEDGES TO PRIORITIZE INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN OPERATION OVER ROUTINE PATROL
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Out-going Area Controller of Adamawa/Taraba Customs command, ACG Muhammed Aminu Tako has said that despite strict Border closure directives, his officers’ commitment to enforcing statutory mandates yielded decisive feats.
While handing over to the new Acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller Mamman Ali, the ACG stated that they fortified critical border corridors by enhancing joint patrol operations and deepening tactical collaboration with sister agencies.
Not withstanding, he disclosed that his command made incursions at obliterating smuggling chains, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations, resulting in major interceptions of contraband along illicit border routes.
From December 25, 2025, when he assumed duties up until today, the command made seizures with duty paid value of N530,975,193.91, representing 103,080 litres of PMS (4,088 Jerry cans of 25 litres each) and four drums of 220 litres each.
Others include dangerous drugs-cannabis sativa, 74kg Ivory tusk, 220kg pangolin scales, 64 complete raw donkey skin, tokunbo vehicles, 266 bags of foreign parboiled rice. Others are foreign bar soaps, 13 bales and five jumbo sacks of second hand clothing, as well as several bags of maize used to conceal contraband.
ACG Tako noted that the command’s anti-smuggling operations had successfully neutralized the economic incentives of transnational smuggling syndicates.
He appreciates the Comptroller General of customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, and the manay for their direction, operational support and resource allocation, while thanking sister agencies, host communities for their vital intelligence sharing, synergy and peaceful coexistence, with the media not left out.
He thanked his officers and men for their courage on the front lines, noting that the mandate of national security requires continuous dedication. He charged the officers and men to extend a higher measure of loyalty, discipline and operational support to his successor. ‘Double your vigilance, remain resolute in safeguarding our borders’
In his own speech while taking over, the new Acting Comptroller Mamman, Deputy Comptroller Mamman Ali, said it is with profound humility, gratitude and unalloyed loyalty to the federal government of Nigeria, that he formally assumes duty, rendering all glory to God for His grace, protection and opportunity to serve our great nation.
He appreciates the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who is equally the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization, and the entire management of Nigeria Customs Service for finding me worthy of this important responsibility. “I do not take this confidence for granted. I assure the Comptroller-General and the Management team of the Nigeria Customs Service of his total commitment, loyalty and dedication to the success of this Area Command.”
Furthermore, he also wish to appreciate, his Predecessor, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, M. A. Tako, Psc, the zonal coordinator Nigeria Customs Service, zone B, and outgoing CAC for his outstanding service, dedication, and
remarkable contributions to the development of this Area Command.
“Sir, Leadership is a continuum, and every successful administration must recognized and consolidate the achievements of its predecessors. I acknowledge the foundations already laid and assure you that I will build on the existing successes, strengthen institutional capacity and expand the frontiers of operational excellence. Where necessary, we shall review existing strategies, introduce improvements and pursue greater accomplishments.”
He stated that innovation has change the world and Customs operations must also change. They must embrace modern and smart ways of carrying out their duties. They must include the necessary legal and litigation procedures to secure appropriate sanctions against offenders and serve as a strong deterrent to future violations.
To the officers and men of this Command, he made something very clear: discipline is not negotiable. Every officer must be punctual, responsible and committed to his or her duties. He expect officers to respect their superiors, cooperate with their colleagues and carry out lawful instructions without unnecessary excuses.
Team leaders and heads of units must take full responsibility for their areas of operation. Leadership is not just about occupying an office; it is about producing results and taking responsibility for the performance of their team.
According to him, there will be no room for negligence, indiscipline, corruption or any action that will bring the name of the Service into disrepute. He also assured them that he is coming with an open mind and a strong
determination to succeed. He will encourage teamwork, fairness and professionalism. He will listen to genuine concerns, but will not tolerate indiscipline or compromise.
“As I formally take over the leadership of this Command, the service seeks your unwavering cooperation, loyalty and support. I am confident that with God’s guidance, the continuous support of the Comptroller-General and his entire
management team, the cooperation of our stakeholders and the commitment of our officers and men, we will achieve great things together.” “Let us work as one team, remain focused and deliver on our mandate.”
He also said that he cannot continue to depend only on physical patrols and road checks point. They must improve their intelligence gathering, use available technology, share information and adopt better methods of identifying and stopping illegal activities. He expects every officer to be more alert and proactive. They must master their operational areas, and understands the activities taking place around our borders. under his watch intelligence-driven operations compatible with smart and borderless world best practice will be prioritize over routine patrol and operations.
According to him, he fully appreciate the important role played by our traditional rulers, community leaders, residents of border communities and other major stakeholders in securing our borders. He appeal to all stakeholders in border frontline to support the Nigeria Customs Service by providing timely useful information and to view national security and economic stability as a shared responsibility that rests not on Customs alone but on all relevant stakeholders. Further to this, he strongly urged stakeholders and well meaning citizens to reject all forms of illicit trade.
He said to sister security agencies, national security is a collective enterprise. They remain fully committed to deepening inter-agency synergy, they must collaborate, work together, share intelligence and conduct joint-operations where necessary, their common goal is to protect Nigeria, secure our borders and to prevent criminal activities. And this concern is not negotiable.
In spearheading this Area Command, he shall anchor on the CGC’s Policy Thrust of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration. Consequently, he shall expand on this Thrust by building my leadership Doctrine base on professionalism, integrity, discipline and accountability.
This Doctrine shall fon my four (4) pillars for executing the Command’s effectiveness of operations. He urged all officers and men of the command to key into these four pillars Doctrine and adopt it as a guiding- principles of this administration. over and above that strict adherence to this thrust is sacrosanct.
Furthermore, under my watch, the era of abundant seizure is no longer acceptable. Every seizure must be accompanied by the apprehension of the suspect to ensure that the enforcement process is complete and effective.