Felix Kumuyi
Smugglers, Economic Saboteurs in Excruciating Pains under Compt. Aliyu’s Audacious Leadership at FOU ‘A’ Customs, Hands over N3.95Bn worth of Narcotic, Others to NDLEA
Comptroller Aliyu Gambo, Controller FOU Zone ‘A’, NCS Addressing the media aduringthe seizure showcase
A tide of aggressive pursuit against smugglers, duty evaders and economic Saboteurs is presently being witnessed in the nation’s South West region since the leadership mandate of Comptroller Aliyu Gambo assumed at the foremost Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The pursuit against the illicit trade of unwholesome elements at the region had been a consistent one which is largely stemmed from the fact that, the nonsense and highly experienced Comptroller Gambo, an enforcement guru, despised their unwarranted actions within his leadership jurisdiction, hence from onset the assembly of ferocious anti-smuggling teams across the zone to consistently nip their illicit activities in the bud.
Some of the fall out of several mechanisms put in place to checkmate unpatriotic elements resulted once again in the recent seizure of assorted narcotics worth well over N3.9551 billion within the unit’s jurisdiction in Lagos between the months of May and August this year 2026. The street value of the seized narcotics was put at Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Fifty One Million, Eighty Five Thousand Naira Only (N3,951.085,000),
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu who made this disclosure on Wednesday August 02, during the official handing over of the drugs and other seizures to the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the NESRA in Ikeja, said the development underscores the fact that no single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone.
Aliyu was categorical in his statement to the fact that collaboration must continue through information sharing, joint operations, coordinated intelligence, capacity building and prompt transfer of items that fall within the jurisdiction of partner agencies.
In addition, three suspects in connection with the seizure who were in their custody were also handed to the NDLEA for further regulatory action.
While harping that the event reflects the importance of Strategic Partnership in the fight against smuggling and other forms of transborder crime, the Controller explained that the Psychotropic Substance being handed over were intercepted and seized by the gallant officers and men of this unit during sustained anti-smuggling operations along the along the border corridor, highways, and other strategic locations within the unit’s area of responsibility (AOR).
He noted that, his led unit’s recent decisive enforcement action and efforts was deliberate against drugs trafficking syndicates in the Zone, which led to the following interceptions: 5,669 parcels, and 19 sacks of synthetic strain of cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9KG; 31/2 packs of Grinded Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 3.45kg; two (2) packs of Granula Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 1kg; 11 small packs of Granula Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 0.35kg; 24 packets of backwoods Russian Cream Cigars weighing 0.5g; 49 wraps of Cannabis (SKUNK) weighing 26.1kg; and one (1) wrap of Crystal Methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg, which were all formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and other necessary action in accordance with its statutory mandate.
Compt Aliyu Hands Over the Seized Narcotics
Other items that were also handed over include: 1,754 pcks and 6,948 sachet of 225mg, 100mg of Tramadol Tablets; 1,200 Hypnox Tablets 1mg, and 97 bottles of Codeine Syrup.
Aliyu however said the illicit movement of Cannabis Sativa and other controlled substances poses a serious threat to public health, national security and the future of our young people, noting that such substances fuel addiction, criminality, violence and other social problems.
While he stated that the Nigeria Customs Service, through strengthening the integrity of the supply chain would continue to support the efforts of the NDLEA by disrupting the movement of narcotic drugs and illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders, he pointed that the service is equally committed to providing relevant information and supporting further investigation whenever necessary. He noted that the formal transfer of these items to the NDLEA will enable the Agency to conduct the appropriate forensic, investigative and prosecutorial processes in accordance with the law. It will also ensure that the seized narcotics are handled, stored and disposed of in a secure and professionally regulated manner.
He further revealed other interceptions recorded by the unit’s vigilant officers to include four (4) Cylinders of a Chemical weighting 34.5kg each confirmed to be high grade MERCURY that is used in small scale for illegal mining of GOLD.
According to him, the seized item has dual purposes, which has significant environmental hazards and it is controlled by MINAMATA CONVENTION. The chemicals, he said will be handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) which is the appropriate environmental regulatory competence for further agency actions.
According to him, this event underscores the fact that no single agency can effectively confront the complex nature of contemporary smuggling and trans-border criminality alone. Their collaboration must therefore continue through information sharing, joint operations, coordinated intelligence, capacity building and prompt transfer of items that fall within the jurisdiction of partner agencies.
Comptroller Aliyu however commended the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA and NESREA for their cooperation and professionalism, while also appreciating the support of all sister security and regulatory agencies whose contributions continue to strengthen collective efforts against smuggling.
He also promised with reiteration that the Federal Operations Unit under his watch will not relent in its responsibilities, and shall continue to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the law in the discharge of their duties. “We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies, enhanced surveillance, effective patrols and robust enforcement operations to disrupt the activities of smugglers and criminal networks.”
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