Customs FOU Zone A Strengthens Interagency Synergy in Ogun State

…As State CP, NDLEA Commander Pledge Unremitting Cooperation

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A, Ikeja-Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, on Monday embarked on a strategic working visit to the Ogun State Commands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Police Force, reinforcing interagency collaboration in the fight against smuggling, illicit drug trafficking, and other criminal activities along the Ogun corridor.

Speaking at the NDLEA Command, Comptroller Aliyu disclosed that over 60 percent of the two tons of Cannabis Indica intercepted by FOU Zone A in just three months of his administration was seized within Ogun State. He lamented that the intensified crackdown had come at a heavy cost, following the death of a gallant Customs officer during one of the operations.

“The Nigeria Customs Service will continue leveraging robust interagency cooperation to cripple the supply chains of saboteurs and rid the nation of substance abuse that threatens our peace and development,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu stressed that the fight against economic sabotage and narcotics could not be won by any single agency, but through collective resolve and coordinated action.

“We seek the cooperation of our strategic partners, recognizing we cannot achieve this onerous task alone. Together, we will cripple the networks of saboteurs and safeguard the future of our nation.”

He reaffirmed the zero-tolerance policy of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD, against illicit imports and substances harmful to national security, stressing that intelligence sharing, joint patrols, and coordinated enforcement with NDLEA would remain central to a well guided and better coordinated operations.

Responding, Ogun State NDLEA Commander of Narcotics, Tijjani Rabe, commended Customs for its sustained enforcement drive and pledged deeper cooperation.

“We are ready to strengthen intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks across the state. Beyond enforcement, we are engaging young adults and teenagers to reduce the appeal of hard drug usage, because prevention is as critical as interdiction,” Rabe stated.

During a separate courtesy call on the outgoing Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, now Assistant Inspector General of Police, Comptroller Aliyu emphasized the historic partnership between the Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force, recalling past collaborations that underscored the importance of institutional synergy.

“Timely intelligence sharing and heightened situational awareness are essential in modern crime detection and prevention. Our unity stands as our greatest strength against evolving threats,” Aliyu remarked.

He also expressed appreciation to the police leadership for their swift response and professionalism in ongoing efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killing of a Customs officer during an anti-smuggling operation.

In his response, AIG Ogunlowo reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Customs.

“The Nigeria Police Force in Ogun State remains resolute in supporting Customs and other sister agencies in the fight against smuggling and criminality. We will continue to provide timely intelligence, joint patrols, and coordinated strategies to ensure our borders and communities remain secure,” Ogunlowo assured.

The visits, according to Comptroller Aliyu, were aimed at consolidating existing partnerships and reinforcing the shared commitment of security agencies to rid the Ogun border corridor of illicit drugs, smuggling activities, and other crimes threatening national development.

More photographs of the visit below: