The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service entered a new chapter on December 10, 2025, as Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu — celebrated nationwide for boldly rejecting a $50,000 bribe — officially took over the reins of leadership.
The handover ceremony, which saw outgoing Comptroller and newly elevated Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu passing on the mantle, marked a defining moment for the Service’s anti-smuggling operations in Nigeria’s most strategic enforcement corridor.
Shuaibu Bows Out After Seven Months of High-Impact Enforcement
In his farewell address, ACG Shuaibu reflected on a “challenging yet deeply rewarding” seven months in office. He thanked God, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the NCS management for entrusting him with the Zone’s high-stakes security mandate.
Shuaibu, who assumed office on April 23, 2025, said his mission was clear: intensify intelligence-led operations. The records he leaves behind testify to a robust campaign against economic saboteurs.
Under his watch, FOU Zone A recorded 476 interceptions and 761 seizures worth ₦10.05 billion, including:
23,000 bags of foreign rice
98 used vehicles
2,350 kg of cannabis sativa
1,820 jerrycans of PMS
15 rifles and 4,841 rounds of ammunition
Two industrial drones
25 kg of methamphetamine
Four 50kg cylinders of explosives traced to Russia
The Unit also transferred $20,000 in intercepted currency to the EFCC, arrested 38 suspects, and handed over eight containers of expired pharmaceuticals valued at ₦7.5 billion.
Beyond seizures, ACG Shuaibu said the Unit recovered ₦419.2 million in unpaid duties through rigorous document checks and demand notices.
He appealed to officers to extend undivided loyalty to his successor, expressing confidence that the strong operational framework laid in his tenure will continue to yield results.
Aliyu Takes Charge With a Clear Agenda — and a Reputation for Integrity
Responding after receiving the command’s insignia, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu thanked the Comptroller-General for the trust reposed in him. He applauded ACG Shuaibu’s achievements and pledged to build on the momentum.
Aliyu vowed to push forward the CGC’s transformation agenda, anchored on:
Sharper intelligence-driven enforcement
Discipline and professionalism
Robust stakeholder collaboration
Improved welfare and capacity building for officers
He underscored FOU Zone A’s critical role as the Service’s frontline shield against smuggling networks. “Ethics, accountability, and professionalism are not negotiable under my watch,” he declared.
He added that his administration would revolve around change management, compliance management, and reputational management, which he described as the tripod for sustainable customs reform.
Acknowledging the media’s role in supporting national security, the new Comptroller promised open and factual engagement.
A Profile of Grit, Training, and Unquestionable Integrity
Comptroller Aliyu brings to FOU Zone A more than three decades of distinguished service. Born in the United Kingdom over 50 years ago, he joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 1991 and rose steadily through the ranks, becoming a Comptroller in 2024.
His professional background includes specialist training in the UK and across several global enforcement institutions. He is:
A Fellow of the Association of Counterterrorism and Security Professionals (USA)
A Certified Threat Analyst
A Physical Security Manager
Aliyu has served in various operational centers nationwide, earning recognition for high-profile seizures of arms, narcotics, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals. His leadership at Tin Can Island Port made headlines after his enforcement team intercepted contraband — and rejected a $50,000 bribe, an incident that cemented his bold reputation for integrity.
Before his current posting, he served as Area Comptroller of Oyo/Osun Command.
Away from duty, Comptroller Aliyu enjoys golf, music, and outdoor adventure. He is happily married.
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