Edo, Delta Journalists in NUJ Lagos Council Commend FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Controller Gambo Aliyu

By Tunde Umar

Members of the Edo and Delta Journalists Forum, Nigeria Union of Journalists [NUJ] Lagos Council, paid a courtesy visit to Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit [FOU] Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, on May 20, 2026.

Led by Chairman Deacon Ovie Edomi, PhD, the delegation commended Aliyu’s 30-year career and his record in anti-smuggling operations. Edomi said the visit reflected the cultural bond among Edo and Delta indigenes, noting that celebrating outstanding compatriots strengthens national unity.

“Comptroller Sir, success has many relations. We are proud of your stewardship, with FOU Zone ‘A’ as the crowning achievement. On behalf of our members, we present this Recognition Award for your service to the Nigeria Customs Service,” Edomi said.

Born in the UK, Aliyu joined the NCS as an Assistant Superintendent and rose to the rank of Comptroller. His career has focused on integrity, discipline, and security training. While at Tin Can Island Port, he led interventions against arms and drug trafficking and rejected a $33,000 bribe, which was forfeited to the federal government.

Since taking charge of FOU Zone ‘A’ in December 2025, Aliyu has overseen 617 anti-smuggling operations in 10 weeks. Seizures included over 6,000 parcels of cannabis, pangolins, used compressors, and petroleum products valued at ₦9 billion.

Aliyu described the visit as a “homecoming” and pledged closer collaboration with the media to promote accurate reportage. He said the unit was shifting from reactive to predictive enforcement to curb drugs, arms, and unsafe imports.

He also cited ongoing efforts to improve compliance, block revenue leakages, and safeguard food security, and thanked the Comptroller General and the Presidency for commissioning a new office in Iperu, Ogun State.

“Policing 75,000 sq km of land and 752 km of coastline is not a one-man job. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” Aliyu said.

The forum described Aliyu as a “star boy” of Edo heritage and commended his contributions to the Service.