Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni has begun his tenure as head of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Lagos, with a stated commitment to strengthening anti-smuggling operations, preventing revenue leakages and protecting the country’s economic and security interests.
Afeni’s appointment followed the retirement of Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, who previously headed the unit. His emergence comes as the Customs Service continues efforts to combat illicit trade and improve compliance with import and export regulations.
The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, plays an important role in the Customs Service’s enforcement activities, including anti-smuggling operations and monitoring compliance across relevant commands in the western part of the country.
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Since assuming office about two weeks ago, Afeni has reportedly prioritised intelligence-led enforcement and engagement with industry stakeholders to discourage illegal trade and encourage compliance with customs regulations.
According to information provided about his early activities, enforcement efforts have been intensified along identified smuggling corridors, including routes around Idiroko, Ogun State, the Seme axis and parts of Oyo State.
These areas have long been associated with cross-border trade, making effective border monitoring and cooperation among enforcement agencies important to curbing the movement of prohibited and improperly declared goods.
The operations also place emphasis on preventing the release of goods that have not complied with applicable customs procedures. Officers involved in the clearance and release of imported goods are expected to observe established regulations and avoid any form of collusion with importers.
Afeni’s previous experience at the Ogun I Command in Idiroko is expected to inform his approach to enforcement, particularly in areas where familiarity with local terrain and trading patterns can support intelligence gathering.
His assumption of office was attended by several serving Customs officers, including Deputy Comptrollers Nura Miko of PTML, Ibrahim of the Idiroko Command, and Behora, associated with the Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi commands.
His predecessor, Gambo Aliyu, reportedly described Afeni as a competent, disciplined and loyal officer.
Afeni has also outlined an approach that combines enforcement with trade facilitation. He has indicated that operations should be intelligence-led and firm while respecting human dignity, with legitimate trade supported through constructive engagement with traders, manufacturers, importers, exporters, customs brokers and other stakeholders.
### Previous Performance at Idiroko
During his time at the Ogun I Command in Idiroko, Afeni reportedly oversaw seizures valued at more than ₦14.75 billion between January and August 2026.
The figures provided also indicate that the command generated ₦896,539,138 in revenue during the period, exceeding its stated target of ₦545,348,440.12.
If confirmed by official Customs records, the figures would provide an indication of the command’s enforcement and revenue performance during his tenure. However, the basis for the seizure valuation and the reported revenue figures should be established through official documentation.
A fellow officer, an Assistant Comptroller who was not named in the account, described Afeni as disciplined and committed to his responsibilities, adding that he maintained professional boundaries despite personal relationships with colleagues.
The officer also praised Afeni’s approach to integrity and his willingness to work with others.
As Afeni settles into his new role at FOU Zone A, the effectiveness of his leadership will be measured by verifiable enforcement outcomes, improvements in compliance, the prevention of revenue losses and the facilitation of legitimate trade.
Editorial note: The claims about blocked smuggling routes, seizure values and revenue performance should be independently verified or attributed to official Customs sources before publication.
