Esther Oritse
Lagos — Against the backdrop of rising security and revenue challenges, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi reminded officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit that intelligence is the backbone of modern operations, warning that delays, gaps or poor application could undermine both enforcement and revenue performance.
Speaking at opening ceremony of a training programme for the Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU officers, at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, Adeniyi charged the Officers to be updated in every areas of their operations.
He described the training programme as the Service’s first formal engagement of the year and a moment that could shape the professional outlook of participants.
Welcoming officers to the College, the Comptroller-General said the programme came at a critical time, urging participants to see the new year as an opportunity to make tangible contributions to the Service and the country.
Reflecting on recent global and domestic security developments, Adeniyi referenced 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, stressing that Customs officers must appreciate its value beyond theory.
He urged participants to revisit papers earlier presented during the programme, noting that they already contained practical guidance required for effective field operations.
Earlier 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 said the ability to gather, analyse and apply intelligence has become indispensable in responding to emerging security and economic realities.
ACG Gaura said 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.
He explained that intelligence underpins risk management, revenue protection, the disruption of smuggling networks and the protection of the national economy.
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.
While acknowledging that comfort levels might differ from what some participants were used to, he said the objective was to instil discipline and concentration.
