As Mohammed Shuaibu gets elevated to Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG), Headquarters, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ transits seamlessly as Comptroller Gambo Aliyu outlines vision for the unit
By Edu Abade
Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) witnessed a symbolic transition of leadership on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, as the outgoing Comptroller, now Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Mohammed Shuaibu, formally handed over responsibility to the new Comptroller, Gambo Aliyu.
The ceremony, held at the Unit’s conference hall, brought together principal officers, patrol leaders, media representatives, and well-wishers.
In his handing-over address, Shuaibu, described the occasion as another significant milestone in his professional journey. He expressed deep appreciation to Almighty God, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and management team of the NCS for the trust and support extended to him during his tenure.
According to him, serving as Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’ had been both an honor and a privilege. He commended officers of the Unit for their dedication, resilience and teamwork, noting that their collective efforts led to notable successes in combating smuggling.
“Together, we confronted high-profile challenges and upheld the highest standards of professionalism in addressing emerging issues,” he said.
Reflecting on his seven months in office, ACG Shuaibu described the period as eventful and rewarding, adding that the Unit significantly suppressed smuggling activities through strategic operations.
He revealed that the Unit recorded 476 interceptions involving 761 seized items, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N10.051 billion adding that the seized items included 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailer loads); 94 used vehicles (Tokunbo); 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa and 1,820 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol.
Other remarkable seizures comprised 15 assorted rifles; 4,841 rounds of ammunition; two industrial drones; 25kg of crystal methamphetamine; four cylinders of explosives (50 kg each, made in Russia) and $20,000 and 110,000 CFA (worth N31 million)
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Hussaini Abdullahi, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A,’ the Controller also disclosed that eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion were handed over to NAFDAC for further action.
On revenue recovery, ACG Shuaibu stated that the Unit intensified compliance checks on questionable import and export consignments, issuing Demand Notices (DNs) that generated N419.2 million.
He congratulated his successor, Comptroller Aliyu, while expressing confidence that the new leadership would consolidate on the Unit’s achievements and introduce fresh strategies for enhanced performance.
On his part, Comptroller Gombo Aliyu, commended the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and management for the opportunity to serve in this strategic capacity, acknowledging the outstanding contributions of his predecessor.
He emphasized the Unit’s vital role in combating smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests, particularly within the strategically sensitive Lagos operational corridor.
Comptroller Aliyu outlined his key priorities, which include strengthening enforcement operations, upholding professionalism, discipline and integrity, enhancing collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders, improving officers’ welfare and capacity development, as well as promoting open communication, transparency and teamwork
He further highlighted three guiding principles that will shape his administration: Change Management, Compliance Management and Reputation Management
He called for unity, dedication and renewed commitment from officers, assuring them of responsible and constructive engagement with the media and wished ACG Shuaibu continued success in his future endeavors, even at a higher level.
The event was rounded off with the presentation of gifts by the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) and the officers and men of the Unit, followed by the ceremonial cutting of the cake.
