The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Gambo Aliyu, has led a strategic delegation across the Ogun State security corridor.
The visit to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the palace of the Alake of Egbaland comes in the wake of recent coordinated operations against drug smuggling along the Ogun corridor, which tragically resulted in the death of a Customs officer.
Comptroller Aliyu said the engagement was aimed at reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance against the smuggling of Cannabis Indica and other contraband.
“This visit comes against the backdrop of our recent coordinated onslaught against the smuggling of illicit drugs along the border corridor, which culminated in the demise of one of our gallant officers,” Aliyu stated. “The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to leverage our robust interagency coordination to bring these saboteurs to justice, in a deliberate effort to rid the nation of substance abuse that threatens our peace and development.”
At the NDLEA, Ogun State Command, the Commander of Narcotics, Tijjani Rabe, described the visit as a “seed of professional collaboration”, noting the significance of the Comptroller’s outreach beyond his Lagos base to strengthen operations in the Ogun corridor.
“Our doors and windows are wide open for intelligence sharing,” Rabe assured. “We will leverage our expertise in drug enforcement and your professionalism in border patrol to control the menace of drug imports into this country.”
Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, emphasised that the proximity of Lagos and Ogun creates a singular security theatre. “In the spirit of partnership, we don’t have a choice but to continue to work together. At all times, we are available to support your cause.”
Comptroller Aliyu also extended the engagement to the traditional institution, visiting the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Michael Gbadebo, and appealing to the monarch to use the “palace’s voice” to make smuggling and drug use a cultural taboo.
“I come here not just as Comptroller, but as your son, to seek your royal blessings in a battle that threatens our greatest asset—our youth. Smuggling and drug abuse are twin evils eroding the fabric of our society, flooding our markets with counterfeit goods, undermining legitimate businesses and starving our economy”, Aliyu said.
Oba Gbadebo responded with prayers for the officers’ safety and a firm commitment to the partnership. The monarch pledged to use his royal influence to decree zero tolerance for illicit activities within his domain.
