Aliyu Unveils New Enforcement Drive as FOU ‘A’ Records Major Seizures
By Amina Ojelabi
The Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, has unveiled a renewed anti-smuggling and compliance strategy as the Unit recorded seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦3.3 billion within weeks of his assumption of office.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, during his maiden press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Aliyu said the achievements marked the Command’s first operational engagement with the media in 2026 and reflected a shift toward intelligence-driven enforcement.
Aliyu noted that upon assuming duty, he introduced a reform framework anchored on Change Management, Compliance Management, and Reputational Management, stressing that the era of predictable checkpoints had given way to targeted, intelligence-led patrols, especially within the Lagos metropolis.
According to him, the new approach led to the interception of 144 smuggling attempts, resulting in the seizure of assorted contraband including 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 used vehicles, 3,362 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 20,700 litres of PMS, 915 bales of used clothing, and a 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets, among others.
In a major breakthrough against narcotics trafficking, the Comptroller disclosed that operatives intercepted 3,029 parcels of synthetic cannabis indica popularly known as “Ghanaian Loud,” weighing about 1,431kg, significantly disrupting drug supply chains within the Unit’s area of responsibility. He described drug trafficking as a catalyst for insecurity, banditry and other social vices threatening national stability.
Aliyu also announced the interception of four live pangolins along the Alapa Creek, Ajilete waterways, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to wildlife protection. The endangered animals were subsequently handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Centre for safekeeping.
In another environmentally significant seizure, the Unit intercepted 581 used refrigerator compressors concealed in a vehicle. Aliyu explained that the seizure aligned with Section 55(1)(d) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Basel Convention, noting that used compressors pose serious environmental and public health risks due to hazardous substances and greenhouse gas emissions.
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, while Aliyu confirmed that the intercepted cannabis would be formally handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
He further revealed that the Unit recovered ₦36.89 million from Demand Notices issued over cases of cargo misdeclaration between December 10, 2025, and date, reaffirming the Service’s resolve to strengthen supply chain integrity while facilitating legitimate trade.
The Comptroller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the Service Management for the opportunity to serve, while commending officers of the Unit for their dedication. He pledged sustained collaboration with other government agencies, security outfits, stakeholders and border communities to suppress smuggling and other trans-border crimes.
Aliyu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, assuring that all information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
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