Intelligence Backbone of Modern Customs Operations – CGC
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Intelligence Backbone of Modern Customs Operations – CGC
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
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 centre of their operations, warning that no modern security or revenue system can function effectively without timely and credible intelligence.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Monday at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, while declaring open a training programme for CIU officers, the Service’s first formal engagement of the year.
He said the programme was coming at a critical time and urged participants to take advantage of the new year to make meaningful contributions to the Service and national development.
The CGC, who reflected on recent global and domestic security developments, including operations within Nigeria that led to the interception of arms and ammunition, said intelligence remained the common factor behind every successful military and paramilitary operation.
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According to him, Customs officers must understand the value of intelligence beyond theory and ensure its effective application in field operations.
He advised participants to revisit papers already presented during the course, noting that they contained practical guidance needed to enhance operational effectiveness.
In his remarks, the Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Dow Gaura, described intelligence as a silent but decisive tool in institutional growth and national security.
Gaura said the ability to gather, analyse and apply intelligence had become indispensable in responding to emerging security and economic challenges.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service had continued to invest in intelligence-driven training as part of its capacity-building efforts, adding that the programme was designed to strengthen officers’ professional competence.
According to him, intelligence plays a key role in risk management, revenue protection, disruption of smuggling networks and protection of the national economy.
The Commandant urged participants to approach the training with seriousness, assuring them that Management had provided experienced facilitators, relevant materials and a conducive learning environment to achieve the desired outcomes.
He added that while the training environment might be demanding, the aim was to instil discipline, focus and professionalism among officers.
Senior officers at the event 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.
