The Comptroller General of Customs , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has identified intelligence as a critical tool for modern customs operations, calling on officers to embed it in daily professional practice.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Monday, 5th January 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, during the opening ceremony of a training programme for CIU officers. He described the programme as the Service’s first formal engagement of the year and a critical platform capable of shaping the professional outlook of participants.
Welcoming the officers, the Comptroller General said the training was coming at a crucial time, urging participants to see the new year as an opportunity to make tangible contributions to the Service and national development.
Adeniyi , referenced military and security interventions in different regions, including operations within Nigeria that led to the interception of arms and ammunition. He noted that intelligence was the common denominator behind every successful military and paramilitary operation, emphasising that Customs officers must appreciate its value beyond theoretical knowledge.
He further urged participants to revisit papers already presented during the programme, noting that they contained practical guidance essential for effective field operations.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the NCCSC, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Dow Gaura, described intelligence as a quiet but decisive force in institutional transformation. According to him, the ability to gather, analyse and apply intelligence has become indispensable in responding to emerging security and economic realities.
ACG Gaura said the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to invest in intelligence led training as part of its capacity building strategy, describing the programme as a key phase in the professional development of officers.
He explained that intelligence underpins risk management, revenue protection, the disruption of smuggling networks and the safeguarding of the national economy. He urged participants to approach the training with seriousness, assuring them that Management had provided experienced facilitators, relevant materials and a structured learning environment to ensure effective outcomes.
Senior officers at the opening ceremony included the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijjani Abe; the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of TRADOC, Sulaiman Chiroma; and the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shu’aibu, among others.
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