ACG Shuaibu Hands Over Mantle Of Leadership Of FOU Zone ‘A’ To Comptroller Gambo Aliyu
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ACG Shuaibu Hands Over Mantle Of Leadership Of FOU Zone ‘A’ To Comptroller Gambo Aliyu
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu Gambo has successfully taken over the mantle of leadership of Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, to Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, following the appointment of the former Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG)
The out going Customs Area Controller who was recently elevated to the position of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG Headquarter, in the handing over ceremony held on Wednesday, at the Unit’s Headquarters, while giving account of his stewardship said the ceremony marked a significant milestones in his journey as a customs officer.
As he formally handed over the leadership to his successor, he said it has been an honor to serve in this capacity.
Still, he remained grateful to the Almighty God, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for the confidence reposed in him.
All in all, he pointed out that upon his resumption of office on 23rd April, 2025, he pledged to deploy his wealth of experience through intelligence driven operation, adding that the Unit have remained faithful to that commitment.
He attributed the remarkable achievements witnessed in the Unit to dedication, resilience and team work of the officers.
Besides, he said these collective efforts resulted in huge successes in the Unit anti-smuggling operations, saying that together, the Unit confronted high profile challenges and tackled emerging issues, which successfully thwarted the activities of smugglers to the bearest minimal level.
The newly appointed ACG Mohammed Shuaibu, who highlighted the significant achievements and accomplishments of the Unit within this period, also declared that during this period, the unit recorded a total of 476 interceptions including 761 seizures valued at the sum of N10.1billion.
The breakdown of the seizures include 38 trailers of foreign parboiled rice, 98 exotic tokunbo vehicles, 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,820 Jerrycans of PMS.
Further breakdown of the seizures include 15 assorted rifles, 4,841 rounds of ammunition, 2 industrial drones, 25kg of crystal metaphitamine, 4 cylinders of explosives each weighing 50kg, 20,000USD and 110CFA amounting to N31million which was handed over to the EFCC.
A total of 38 suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, in addition to interception of 8 containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.1billion.
That is not all, he announced that in tandem with the command’s revenue generation efforts, the unit recovered a total sum of N419million from under-valuations, false declarations and subsequently issued Demand Notices where necessary.
Again, as he passed the baton of leadership to his successor, he disclosed that he is confident that the foundation built would continue to flourish.
He urged all officers to extend the same spirit of cooperation, dedication and professionalism to the new Controller to strengthen the fight against smuggling.
Commenting during the handing over ceremony, the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him to serve in the new capacity.
He however, commended the outgoing Customs Area Controller for his commitment to service and for adding value to the Service’s mandate.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu gave the assurance that the FOU, Zone ‘A’, under his leadership will consolidate on the achievements of ACG Shuaibu, for greater successes.
Indeed, he said he is aware of the enormous responsibilities that comes with this position, especially within Zone ‘A’ as strategic and dynamic as Lagos and its environs.
He however expressed confident that with the cooperation and professionalism of the gallant men and officers of this Unit, they will continue to fulfil their mandate diligently.
Moreso, he said as they move forward together, their key areas of focus will include among others the enhanced enforcement operations.
Furthermore, he said they shall intensify intelligence driven operations to combat smuggling and all forms of illicit trade that threatens national security and economic growth.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, who declared that high standards of integrity, discipline, and accountability will be non negotiable, also noted that they shall deepen collaboration with the stakeholders, sister agencies and community leaders to strengthen border security and facilitate lawful trade.
In the area of capacity building and welfare, he said the motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritised to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness.
Beyond that, he assured that their operations will be underpinned by reputation management, change management and compliance management.
Above all, the highpoint of the event was presentation of presents from the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) FOU, Zone ‘A’ Chapter, and other gifts from officers and men of the command to ACG Shuaibu for being exemplary leader.
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