Western Marine Customs Decorates 36 Officers and Men

…As Ntadi Charts Bold Course in Maritime Security and Reform

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Comptroller Ntadi with another stakeholder during the decoration of the Command PRO, Okopi.

Comptroller Patrick. N Ntadi, the Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command (WMC), yesterday, September 18, 2025 unveiled a sweeping transformation agenda at the command, highlighting months of strategic upgrades, operational victories, and renewed morale across operational stations of the flagship marine command.

Speaking at the Command’s headquarters at Ibafon, Olodi-Apapa, during the decoration of thirty sixty newly promoted officers and men, Comptroller Ntadi emphasized that the reforms which are not just cosmetic but foundational has given a turnaround dimension to the future operational outlook of the command.

“These developments are investments in security, efficiency, and the safety of our nation’s maritime domain,” he declared.

One of the most daring feats was the evacuation of hoodlums who had long occupied land outside the Command’s perimeter. This bold move reclaimed critical space and restored order as a newly constructed security post now stands at the gate, serving as the first line of defense and a symbol of renewed vigilance.

To reinforce its stature, the Command unveiled a landscaped signpost at its entrance, giving the facility a professional and dignified look. Refurbished patrol water crafts and improved land-side logistics further boost operational readiness.

Officer Fagbire in a handshake with Comptroller Ntadi during his decoration

Recognizing the importance of morale, the Command under Ntadi also introduced a modern canteen and upgraded toilet facilities for officers and men, within proper perimeter location within the premises. These enhancements reflect a commitment to the well-being of personnel, ensuring they are motivated and mission-ready.

On anti-smuggling operation, Ntadi disclosed that the command recorded seizures worth over ₦582 million from April to date. The seizures include 1,827 bags of foreign parboiled rice (₦127.89 million), 174 sacks of Ammonium Sulphate,

86 sacks of Polypropylene (PP), 1,312 loaves of Cannabis Sativa in various forms (Arizona, Scottish, Ghana loud), 42 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit, and multiple marine engines and locally made boats impounded as accessories to means of smuggling.

It is instructive that these seizures represent a decisive blow against economic sabotage, public health threats, and illicit trade, and not just statistics.

Focused and prepared, Ntadi credited the achievements to the unwavering support of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and the dedication of officers, men, and partner security agencies.

Okuaro, nickednamed ‘Sea Lion’ by his colleagues in a pose after his decoration with his new rank

Western Marine Command is moving forward with resilience, professionalism, and renewed capacity,” he affirmed.

He said that as the Command looks ahead, it remains focused on its mandate of securing Nigeria’s maritime borders and fostering prosperity through lawful trade. With upgraded infrastructure, a motivated workforce, and strategic partnerships, Western Marine Command is poised to be a beacon of excellence in maritime enforcement.

The briefing which centred on the decoration of 36 Officers and men, comprising of 28 officers and 8 men including the Command’s Public Relations Officer and OC Operation,  S. A Okopi and Maurice Okuaro, who were respectively promoted to the rank of Chief superintendent of Customs.

Newly decorated officers of the command with their CAC, Comptroller Ntadi, front middle,flanked by AC Oputa and Okopi.

Others lucky officers decorated during the happy-friendly filled atmosphere include marine operative, K. O Fagbire, R. Ogunkemi.  While the CAC urged the newly promoted officers to uphold professionalism and integrity in their new roles, he remarked that the promotion should spur them to greater determination and higher sense of patriotism.