The outgoing Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has received commendations from maritime journalists under the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), for his outstanding leadership, professionalism and contributions to the fight against smuggling.

The journalists, who paid a farewell visit to Aliyu in Lagos, described him as a media-friendly Customs officer who distinguished himself through integrity, accessibility and intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations.

Speaking during the event, Aliyu disclosed that the FOU Zone ‘A’ had generated and recovered more than N2 billion into the federation account in the last nine months.

He also revealed that the Unit intercepted more than 21,000 bags of smuggled rice, equivalent to approximately 35 truckloads, during the period under review, alongside illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

Aliyu attributed the achievements to the commitment of his officers and the support of the Customs management, stressing that the Unit’s operations were increasingly driven by intelligence.

“Our approach to tackling smuggling has been deliberate and targeted, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations rather than random actions,” he said.

The outgoing Controller also emphasised the importance of media support in the fight against smuggling and other forms of economic crime.

“We view journalists as strategic partners and critical allies in our fight against crime and smuggling—a challenge no single agency can tackle alone,” he said.

Aliyu added that while the Service was doing everything possible to suppress smuggling, the collaboration of strategic partners, particularly the media, remained essential to achieving lasting success.
“On a personal note, as a former member of the press, I am incredibly proud to stand alongside you,” he said.

During the farewell celebration, the maritime journalists presented Aliyu with a token of appreciation in recognition of his leadership and strong relationship with the media.

Chairman of NNMJ, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, said the gathering was unusual because journalists were not at the Unit to cover an event but had deliberately come together to celebrate a Customs officer they regarded as a friend and professional partner.

Also speaking, Chairman of the NNMJ Advisory Board, SesanOnileimo, reaffirmed the journalists’ appreciation of Aliyu, describing him as a man who keeps his word.

Onileimo recalled an encounter with the Controller in December, when Aliyu made a commitment which he subsequently fulfilled.