Intelligence Is the Backbone of Modern Customs Operations — CGC Charges Officers
Gwagwalada, Abuja — January 5, 2026
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to place intelligence at the core of their professional conduct, stressing that no modern security or revenue operation can succeed without timely, credible and well-applied intelligence.
CGC Adeniyi gave the charge on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, during the opening ceremony of a training programme for CIU officers. He described the programme as the Service’s first formal engagement of the year and a defining moment capable of shaping the professional outlook and effectiveness of participants.
Welcoming the officers to the College, the Comptroller-General noted that the programme was coming at a critical time, urging participants to view the new year as an opportunity to make tangible contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service and national development.
Reflecting on recent global and domestic security developments, CGC Adeniyi referenced various military and security interventions across different regions, including operations within Nigeria that led to the interception of arms and ammunition. According to him, intelligence remains the common thread behind every successful military or paramilitary operation, adding that Customs officers must appreciate its value beyond theoretical discussions.
He further urged participants to revisit papers already presented during the programme, noting that they contained practical guidance essential for effective intelligence-led field operations.
In his address, the Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Dow Gaura, described intelligence as a quiet but decisive force in institutional transformation. He said the capacity to gather, analyse and apply intelligence has become indispensable in responding to emerging security and economic challenges.
ACG Gaura stated that the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to invest in intelligence-driven training as part of its broader capacity-building strategy, describing the programme as a critical phase in the professional development of participating officers. He explained that intelligence underpins risk management, revenue protection, the disruption of smuggling networks and the safeguarding of the national economy.
He urged officers to approach the training with seriousness and commitment, noting that Management had provided experienced facilitators, relevant training materials and a structured learning environment to ensure focus and meaningful outcomes. While acknowledging that the level of comfort might differ from what some participants were accustomed to, he emphasised that the objective was to instil discipline, professionalism and concentration.
Senior officers present at the opening ceremony included the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijjani Abe; the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Sulaiman Chiroma; and the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shu’aibu, among others.
