By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has emphasized the critical role of intelligence in modern Customs operations, charging Officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) to prioritize intelligence in their professional conduct.
According to him, no modern security or revenue operation can succeed without timely, credible, and well-applied intelligence.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the training programme for CIU Officers at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, the Adeniyi described the programme as a crucial moment that could shape the professional outlook of participants. He urged participants to see the new year as an opportunity to make tangible contributions to the Service and the country.
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Furthermore, reflecting on recent global and domestic security developments, the CGC referenced military and security interventions across different regions, including operations within Nigeria that led to the interception of arms and ammunition. He stressed that intelligence remains the common thread behind every successful military or paramilitary operation.
Customs Chief urged participants to revisit papers earlier presented during the programme, noting that they already contained practical guidance required for effective field operations. He emphasized the need for Customs officers to appreciate the value of intelligence beyond theory.
In his address, the Commandant of the NCCSC, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs Dow Gaura, described intelligence as a quiet but decisive force in institutional transformation. He emphasized the ability to gather, analyze, and apply intelligence as indispensable in responding to emerging security and economic realities.
The Nigeria Customs Service has consistently invested in intelligence-led training as part of its capacity-building strategy, describing the programme as a key phase in the professional development of participants. ACG Gaura explained that intelligence underpins risk management, revenue protection, and the disruption of smuggling networks.
He urged officers to approach the training with seriousness, noting that Management had provided experienced facilitators, relevant materials, and a structured learning environment to enhance focus and outcomes. He acknowledged that comfort levels might differ from what some participants were used to, but emphasized that the objective was to instill discipline and concentration.
Senior Officers present at the opening ceremony include the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijjani Abe, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of TRADOC, Sulaiman Chiroma, and the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Muhammad Shu’aibu, among others.
