Edo, Delta Journalists Honour Customs Controller Gambo Aliyu for Anti-Smuggling Record

By Tunde Umar-Daniah.

The Edo and Delta Journalists Forum of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Council, paid a courtesy visit to the Auchi, Etsako West Local Government of Edo State born Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, on May 20, 2026.

Led by Forum Chairman Deacon Ovie Edomi, PhD, the delegation commended Aliyu’s three-decade career and his record of anti-smuggling operations, which they said had marked him out as one of the Service’s finest officers.

Dr. Edomi said the visit was driven by pride of identity and kinship among journalists from Edo and Delta states. He noted that such cultural bonds strengthen, rather than weaken, national unity. Journalists, he added, have a duty to project the national cause while also celebrating outstanding compatriots.

“Comptroller Sir, success has many relations. We are proud of your sterling performance, with FOU Zone ‘A’ serving as the crowning glory,” Edomi said. “On behalf of our members, we present you with a Recognition Award that speaks to your glowing stewardship and successes in the Nigeria Customs Service over the past three decades.”

Born in the UK, Prince Aliyu joined the Nigeria Customs Service as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs and rose to the rank of Comptroller through a career defined by integrity, discipline, and professionalism. He has attended numerous courses in security education, crisis management, international diplomacy, and human resource development.

His vigilance at Tin Can Island Port Command led to multiple interceptions of arms and illicit drugs. He also demonstrated his integrity by rejecting a $50,000 bribe, which was forfeited to the federal government.

Since taking charge of FOU Zone ‘A’ in December 2025, Aliyu has overseen 617 anti-smuggling interventions in ten weeks. The operations resulted in seizures including over 6,000 parcels of cannabis, pangolins, used compressors, and petroleum products with an estimated value of ₦9 billion.

Responding, Aliyu described the visit as a “homecoming” and thanked the journalists for the recognition. He pledged continued collaboration with the media to advance developmental journalism and ensure accurate reporting of Customs activities.

“We take this job seriously as a national duty,” he said. “Our interdictions are shifting from reactive enforcement to predictive enforcement, using responsible tools and techniques. This increases our success rate and strengthens our resolve to protect society from drugs, arms, and unsafe imports.”

Aliyu highlighted the Service’s focus on compliance management, blocking revenue leakages, and safeguarding food security. He also commended the Comptroller General of Customs and the President for commissioning a new state-of-the-art office in Iperu, Ogun State, calling it a morale booster for officers.

He credited his deputies and officers for the unit’s results, noting that policing over 75,000 square kilometers of land and 752 kilometers of coastline cannot be done alone. “It is not a one-man job. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” he said.

The visit underscored the enduring bond of the old Bendel State, with the journalists celebrating Aliyu as a “star boy” of Edo heritage who continues to bring honour to his people within and outside the Nigeria Customs Service.