Odita Sunday 
GWAGWALADA – The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Monday, January 5, 2026, charged officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) to prioritize intelligence in their professional conduct. He warned that no modern security or revenue operation can succeed without the application of timely, credible, and well-processed intelligence.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a specialized training programme at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Adeniyi described the session as the Service’s first formal engagement of the year. He urged participants to view the training as a pivotal moment to shape their professional outlook and contribute meaningfully to national security.
Reflecting on recent global and domestic security shifts, Adeniyi noted that intelligence is the common thread behind every successful military and paramilitary operation. He referenced recent interventions within Nigeria that led to the significant interception of arms and ammunition as proof of its effectiveness.
“Given the scale of emerging threats, it is essential for Customs officers to appreciate the value of intelligence beyond mere theory,” the CGC stated. He encouraged officers to apply the practical guidance provided during the programme to their field operations to ensure institutional success.
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 that the ability to gather and analyze data has become indispensable in responding to modern economic and security realities.
ACG Gaura explained that the Nigeria Customs Service continues to invest in intelligence-led training to strengthen risk management, protect national revenue, and disrupt smuggling networks. He noted that the management has provided experienced facilitators and a structured environment to ensure the best possible learning outcomes for the participants.
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Deputy Comptroller General Tijjani Abe (Human Resources Development), Deputy Comptroller General Sulaiman Chiroma (TRADOC), and Assistant Comptroller General Muhammad Shu’aibu (Headquarters).
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