ACG MS Shuaibu Hands Over to Comptroller Aliyu in a Colourful Ceremony, Moves to Headquarters
ZAINAB JUNAID
Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu has formally handed over leadership of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A to Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu in a colourful ceremony, marking his departure to the Service Headquarters, Abuja.
During the ceremony held in Lagos on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the outgoing ACG appreciated God Almighty for the abundance of grace and extended appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire NCS management for entrusting activities of the Unit under his watch.
Shuaibu, who took over the helms of FOU A as the 28th Comptroller of the Unit on April 23rd 2025, has advanced to leadership rank of Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, a position that comes with higher responsibilities at the Headquarters.
The anti- smuggling Czar remarked that the Unit under his watch, witnessed tremendous dedication, resilience, and teamwork from its Officers, which resulted in major successes in it’s anti-smuggling operations.
In his hand over speech, he said, “Together, we confronted high-profile challenges and upheld highest standards of professionalism. My seven months have been both eventful and rewarding as we have successfully caught the activities of self-advocating individuals and suppressed smuggling to a minimal level”.
He informed that the Unit recorded 476 interceptions involving 761 seized items, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N10,051,812,208.00.
The seized items included- 23,000 bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 38 trailer loads) • 94 used vehicles (tokunbo) • 2,350 kg of Cannabis Sativa • 1,820 jerrycans of PMS.
Other remarkable seizures comprised of 15 assorted rifles • 4,841 rounds of ammunition • 2 industrial drones • 25 kg of crystal methamphetamine • 4 cylinders of explosives (50 kg each, made in Russia) • $20,000 USD and 110,000 CFA (worth N31 million).
He also disclosed that eight containers of expired pharmaceutical products valued at N7.5 billion were handed over to NAFDAC for further action.
The ACG said the Unit intensified compliance checks on questionable import and export consignments, issuing Demand Notices (DNs) that generated N419,202,459.85.
Related Posts
While expressing confidence that his successor will leverage on his achievements and structures, the ACG urged all officers to extend the same spirit of cooperation, dedication, and professionalism to the new Comptroller.
The incoming Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, who took over baton of leadership as the 29th Comptroller of the Unit, appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and his management team, for the opportunity to serve in the new capacity.
Aliyu assured that his leadership will consolidate on his predecessor’s achievements for even greater successes, focusing more on change management, compliance management and reputational management.
“I am aware of the enormous responsibilities that come with this position, especially within its own strategic, dynamic, and challenging asylums and environments. However, I am confident that with cooperation and professionalism of Officers and Men of this Unit, we will continue to fulfil this mandate diligently,” he stated.
The new Comptroller promised enhanced enforcement operations, which are intensified intelligence-driven operations aimed at combatting smuggling and all forms of illicit trade that threaten national security and economic growth.
He highlighted his priorities to include-professional conduct, discipline, high standards of ethics, discipline, and integrity, with accountability remaining non-negotiable.
“Every officer must ensure that their actions reflect the core values of the service. On Stakeholder engagement, we will deepen collaboration with sister agencies, community leaders, and the trading public to strengthen border security and facilitate long-term trade.
“For capacity building and welfare, the motivation and welfare of officers will be prioritised to ensure improved efficiency and operational readiness. My doors will remain open to the Officers and Men of the Unit. I encouraged teamwork, constructive ideas, and transparency in all dealings.
Comptroller Aliyu called for renewed commitment from officers, assuring them of responsible and constructive engagement with the media.
“With unity of focus, dedication, and the fear of God, we will excel beyond expectations,” he remarked.
Goodwill messages were received from Officers of the Unit, who commended ACG Shuaibu for his examplary leadership and dedication to the Service.
The event concluded with presentation of gift by representatives of Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Men and Officer of the Unit to the Outgoing ACG Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu and also cutting of cake.