FOU Zone ‘A’ Boss, Aliyu, Says Anti-smuggling Operations Now More Predictive Than Reactive

…Bags Edo, Delta Journalists Award

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, has declared that anti-smuggling operations under his watch have become more predictive than reactive, thanks to advanced enforcement tools and techniques now deployed by the Service.

Aliyu made this assertion Wednesday, May 19, 2026, when Executive Officers of the Edo, Delta Journalists Forum, NUJ Lagos Council, led by their Chairman, Dr. Ovie Edomi, paid him a courtesy visit at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja.

Dr. Edomi explained that the visit was driven by a sense of identity and affinity among journalists of Edo and Delta origin, noting that such cultural pride strengthens rather than conflicts with national unity.

He praised Aliyu’s “sterling performance” and described him as “a star boy in the NCS,” whose exploits at FOU Zone ‘A’ have become the crowning glory of his career. On behalf of the Forum, Edomi presented Aliyu with a Recognition Award, celebrating his glowing stewardship and successes spanning over three decades in the Service.

In his remarks, Aliyu described the visit as a “homecoming,” expressing gratitude to the journalists for recognizing his work. He emphasized that the Service has shifted from reactive enforcement to predictive interdictions, enabling smarter, faster, and more resource-efficient operations.

“Right now, our interdictions are leaning away from reactive enforcement to predictive enforcement through the deployment of responsible tools and techniques. This gives us greater feasibility, predictability, higher response time, and better resource allocation,” Aliyu said.

He highlighted the nexus between smuggling, drugs, crime, and criminality, stressing that the Unit is determined to disrupt these networks to protect Nigerian society.

Since assuming duty at FOU Zone ‘A’ on December 3, 2025, Aliyu has demonstrated exceptional capacity in leading the Unit. Within ten weeks, his team thwarted 617 smuggling attempts, including:

Over 6,000 parcels of Cannabis Indica and Ghanaian Loud weighing over 3,000kg

3,150 pieces of used refrigerator compressors

Live pangolins and other endangered species

Several consignments of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and

4.1kg of assorted contraband items.

The seizures, valued at over ₦9 billion, effectively disrupted illicit supply chains and reinforced the Service’s commitment to a drug-free and compliant society.

Born April 27, 1967, in the United Kingdom, Aliyu enlisted in the NCS as Assistant Superintendent of Customs I. Through diligence and professionalism, he rose to the rank of Comptroller. His career includes notable achievements at Tin Can Island Port Command, where he intercepted arms and illicit drugs, and famously rejected a $50,000 bribe, which was forfeited to the Federal Government.

Aliyu has attended numerous professional courses locally and internationally, earning certificates in Security Education, Crisis Management Leadership, International Diplomacy, and Human Resource Development. He is a Fellow of the Association of Counter Terrorism Professionals (USA) and has affiliations with Global Financial Integrity, Washington DC, and the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network.

Aliyu lauded the commissioning of a new operational office at Iperu, Ogun State, by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as a morale booster for officers and men of FOU Zone ‘A’.

He pledged continued collaboration with journalists, recognizing their critical role in balanced reportage of Customs activities, often carried out in volatile terrains.

“We look forward to consistent balanced reportage which always brings out the best in what we do in the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.

Aliyu noted that FOU Zone ‘A’ covers over 75,000 square kilometers of land mass and 752 square kilometers of coastline across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun States. He credited his team for their dedication, stressing that “the chain is as strong as the weakest link.”

The courtesy visit by the Edo, Delta Journalists Forum not only reinforced cultural bonds but also spotlighted Aliyu’s transformative leadership in Customs enforcement. His predictive approach to anti-smuggling operations, coupled with his integrity and professionalism, continues to set new benchmarks in Nigeria’s fight against illicit trade.