The Edo and Delta Journalists Forum of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos Council, has honoured the Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, in recognition of his outstanding service and anti-smuggling achievements.
The forum paid a courtesy visit to Aliyu at the FOU Zone ‘A’ headquarters in Ikeja on May 20, 2026.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the Forum, Deacon Ovie Edomi, PhD, praised Aliyu’s over three decades of meritorious service in the Nigeria Customs Service, describing his stewardship and anti-smuggling operations as exemplary.
Edomi explained that the visit was inspired by the shared heritage and bond among people of Edo and Delta origin, stressing that celebrating cultural identity promotes national unity rather than division.
He noted that journalists, while committed to national development, also have a responsibility to celebrate exceptional individuals from their communities.
“Comptroller Sir, success has many relations. We are proud of your sterling performance, with the FOU Zone ‘A’ serving as the crowning glory. On behalf of our members, we present you with a Recognition Award that speaks of your glowing stewardship and successes in the Nigeria Customs Service over the past three decades,” Edomi stated.
Born in the United Kingdom, Aliyu joined the Nigeria Customs Service as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs and rose through the ranks to become Comptroller.
His career, according to the forum, has been defined by integrity, discipline, and operational excellence, supported by several professional trainings in security education, crisis management, international diplomacy, and human resource development.
The journalists highlighted Aliyu’s track record at Tin Can Island Port Command, where he played key roles in intercepting arms and illicit drugs.
They also recalled his widely commended rejection of a 33,000-dollar bribe, which was later forfeited to the Federal Government.
Since assuming office as Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’ in December 2025, Aliyu has reportedly supervised 617 anti-smuggling interventions within ten weeks, leading to the seizure of more than 6,000 parcels of cannabis, pangolins, used compressors, and petroleum products valued at about N9 billion.
Responding, Aliyu described the visit as a “homecoming” and expressed appreciation to the forum for the recognition and support.
He pledged continued collaboration with journalists to promote developmental journalism and ensure accurate reportage of Customs operations.
“We take this job seriously as a national duty. 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 said.
He also spoke on the Service’s renewed focus on compliance management, blocking revenue leakages, and protecting national food security.
Aliyu commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and President for commissioning a new ultra-modern Customs office in Iperu, Ogun State, describing the facility as a morale booster for officers and men of the Service.
The Comptroller further acknowledged the efforts of his deputies and officers, noting that effective policing of over 75,000 square kilometres of land and 752 kilometres of coastline requires teamwork and collective commitment.
“It is not a one-man job. The chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” he added.
The visit also reinforced the enduring bond among people of the old Bendel State, as members of the forum celebrated Aliyu as an outstanding Edo son making significant contributions to national service through the Nigeria Customs Service.
