Customs Zone ‘A’ Remits Over ₦2b, Seizes 35 Trucks of Smuggled Rice in 9 months

….Over 200 Maritime Journalists Celebrate  Controller Gambo Aliyu

By Lateepha Eniola, Assistant Editor

Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, generated over ₦2 billion for the federation account over the last nine months, SpyNews reports.

The Unit intercepted approximately 35 truckloads of smuggled rice, seized illicit drugs, and confiscated other prohibited items during the period under review.

Outgoing Customs Controller Gambo Aliyu disclosed this to members of the Advisory Board and the Executives of the Network of Maritime Journalists in the country during a farewell celebration in his office today, adding that the Service recovered over ₦2 billion and transferred it to the federation account.

The amount, Aliyu said, is five times their annual revenue target.

He added that the Service now views journalists not just as stakeholders, but as “strategic partners.”

His words: “We have seized over 21,000 bags of rice, which equates to roughly 35 truckloads taken out of the food supply chain.

“We view journalists as strategic partners and critical allies in our fight against crime and smuggling—a challenge no single agency can tackle alone.”

On collaboration, Aliyu said: “While we are doing everything in our power to suppress smuggling, we need the collaboration of strategic partners like the media to fully eradicate it.

“On a personal note, as a former member of the press, I am incredibly proud to stand alongside you.

“Our approach to tackling smuggling has been deliberate and targeted, relying heavily on intelligence-driven operations rather than random actions,” the Controller said.

Also, Aliyu expressed gratitude to the management of the Service for their support and commended his team, whose tireless efforts ensured the success of the headquarters-assigned mission.

* Over 200 Maritime Journalists Celebrate  Controller Gambo Aliyu

During the celebration, Comptroller Aliyu was Honoured by the Network of Maritime Journalists in the country for his exceptional leadership and anti-smuggling efforts.

In his address, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board, noted that while journalists are typically invited just to cover events, this time they actively came together to celebrate Controller Aliyu Gambo—a man he described as a straightforward, honest, and candid officer, as well as a true friend to the media.

“Gentlemen, today isn’t for long speeches,” Aderibigbe announced. “Controller Gambo Aliyu, we came here today just to say that we are incredibly proud of you.”

He remarked, “In 1957, a prolific British author wrote a book titled The Guilty Are Afraid. Oftentimes, you’ll find stakeholders dreading journalists as if they were scorpions. And there’s no doubt about it—journalists do share some characteristics with scorpions.”

“Sometimes,” Adetibigbe said, “you find that people dread journalists because they view them like watchdogs. Sometimes, that fear is justified. Journalists have the capacity to both bark and bite. Yet, despite the traits people fear, we always return to the truth. Only the guilty are truly afraid of journalists.

“My colleague here, Controller Gambo, has distinguished himself. That is why, on this wonderful occasion, we felt compelled to come together and celebrate him as our good friend.

“Today, you wear the uniform, and journalists celebrate your achievements. Tomorrow, you may transition to civil life in Abuja.

“Please hold fast to your convictions, sir. Remember that your most loyal allies—those who will never fail you—are the dedicated men and women of the press.
“Gentlemen, we honour Conttoller Aliyu today. We know that many of you will one day rise to this very position. Let us learn from and emulate the remarkable leadership of this officer and gentleman. God bless you, sir,” Aderibigbe prayed.

Also, Mr. Sesan Onileimo, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Network of Maritime Journalists, used his address to reaffirm that the country’s maritime journalists are proud of Controller Aliyu..

His words: “My friend and brother, we are so proud of you. You are truly a man of your word. I remember walking into your office one day in December for a very brief chat. You promised it would be done, and I didn’t even bother to ask how, when, or what.”

Onileimo added: “I left and told my colleagues not to worry because we were in safe hands. I want to sincerely thank you for what you have done. It is rare for people to make a promise and actually keep it. In Nigeria, many people make promises that are hard to fulfill. It is easy to find excuses not to achieve a goal. However, finding a way to overcome those hurdles shows true integrity.

“Thank you very much for your actions. Everyone here can confirm that you have a strong relationship with their more than two hundred members

“If 200 journalists in Lagos can say, ‘Controller Gambo is our friend,’ what more proof do you need?

“We are here today to thank and appreciate you. We don’t have silver or gold. But as my brother mentioned earlier, people often think journalists only know how to take or collect.
Yet sometimes, we meet someone who truly deserves our praise, and that is why we came.

“From what we have as journalists, we brought a small token of appreciation. Thank you for being a true friend to the media and for always keeping your word. Thank you very much,” Onileimo said.

The event brought together senior Customs officers from the Unit and top maritime journalists for a gift exchange.