Barely two months of assuming office as Controller Federal Operations Unit, Zone A in Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu has unsettled the smuggling world with massive seizures worth over ₦3b and arrest of suspects
Upon his appointment as Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu has set in motion a leadership agenda focused on reform, accountability, and operational excellence. Anchored on a three point framework of Change Management, Compliance Management, and Reputational Management, Aliyu’s approach is redefining the operational culture of the unit and sending a clear warning to criminals who believe they can evade the law.
Addressing journalists during his maiden press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja on February 3rd, 2026, Aliyu stressed that there would be no safe routes and no hiding places for smugglers operating across Nigeria’s land borders and waterways. He explained that surveillance, patrols, and intelligence led operations had been intensified to ensure that anyone involved in smuggling, regardless of scale or route, would face the full weight of the law.
According to Aliyu, sustainable reform begins with a shift in mindset. “Change Management is not just about policy declarations; it is about attitudinal reorientation for our officers, the trading public, and border communities,” he said, emphasising that officers must internalise professionalism, discipline, and service value. His leadership philosophy aligns with the vision of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose administration prioritises meritocracy and competence based human resource management.
Aliyu has replaced routine and predictable checkpoints with targeted patrols based on credible intelligence, particularly within Lagos. This intelligence led approach has already yielded significant results, with the unit intercepting 144 smuggling attempts involving large volumes of foreign rice and sugar, 21 used vehicles, thousands of jerrycans of vegetable oil, over 20,000 litres of petroleum products, hundreds of bales of used clothing, and a 20 foot container of stone coated aluminium roofing sheets. The Duty Paid Value of the contraband seized within a few weeks exceeded ₦3.3 billion, marking a strong start to the unit’s new operational strategy.
The fight against drug trafficking has also been intensified under Aliyu’s leadership. The command intercepted 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing approximately 1,431 kilogrammes. He noted that the seizures significantly disrupted drug supply networks and helped curb crimes often fueled by substance abuse, particularly in areas affected by rising insecurity, banditry, and terrorism. Yet, the successes came with a human cost, as the unit lost one of its officers in the line of duty, a loss Aliyu described as a painful but reminder of the risks faced by those on the frontlines of national service.
Beyond economic crimes and narcotics, Aliyu’s team has also tackled environmental and wildlife protection. Officers intercepted 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle, whose importation violated environmental regulations and the Basel Convention. These items contain hazardous substances that can pollute the environment and deplete the ozone layer if improperly handled. In a high profile wildlife seizure, customs operatives intercepted four live pangolins in Ajilete creeks during a nighttime patrol on January 15th, 2026. Acting on credible intelligence, officers stopped a wooden boat in which the endangered animals were confined in wire mesh cages, forcing the suspects to flee into the creeks. The pangolins were later handed over safely to the Wildlife Conservation Centre, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to global wildlife protection under CITES.
Aliyu also sent a stern message to importers and clearing agents, warning that attempts to under declare or under pay customs duties, make false declarations, or engage in trade misinvoicing would be detected. “Every kobo due to the government will be recovered,” he declared. In line with this commitment, the unit recovered ₦36.89 million through demand notices issued in cases of misdeclaration.
Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with various seizures, and investigations are ongoing to ensure their prosecution in line with the law. The seized cannabis has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) for further action. Beyond enforcement, the unit has intensified collaboration with sister security agencies, stakeholders, and border communities, while also encouraging the public to report suspicious activities, with assurances of strict confidentiality.
Comptroller Aliyu commended the dedication and professionalism of his officers and also reiterated the unit’s commitment to protecting the nation’s economy, facilitating legitimate trade, and strengthening national security .
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