Crime & Security
Comptroller Otunla Strengthens Anti-Smuggling Operations, Deepens Community Relations At Ogun 1 Customs Command
Since assuming duty as the Customs Area Controller of the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, Ogun State, on April 24, 2025, Comptroller Godwin Aderounmu Otunla has continued to record significant strides in trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, officers’ welfare, and stakeholder engagement.
In just six months, Otunla has built upon existing successes of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in the region, steering the Command with renewed energy, professionalism, and integrity. His leadership, marked by practical reforms and people-oriented administration, has further strengthened the fight against smuggling across the volatile Idiroko border corridor.
Upon resumption, one of Comptroller Otunla’s immediate priorities was to enhance efficiency by restructuring duty schedules. He reduced the guard duty rotation from one month to two weeks, allowing officers more rest and better performance. “This approach,” he noted, “enhances efficiency and morale, ensuring officers stay alert and effective.”
The Command headquarters and barracks have also witnessed significant improvements, including installation of solar-powered lighting systems and environmental upgrades. Otunla emphasized that officers’ welfare remains central to his administration’s success. Regular management meetings are held to address welfare concerns, ensure transparency, and maintain an open-door policy for all officers.
“I operate an open-door policy,” he said. “Every officer, regardless of rank, can bring issues directly to me. We also ensure decent accommodation, access to healthcare, and other incentives that boost morale and encourage professionalism.”
Comptroller Otunla has placed strong emphasis on intelligence-driven operations. He explained that the Command invests heavily in actionable intelligence to intercept smugglers and safeguard national interests. “We make use of intelligence and information to achieve results,” he said, adding that collaborative efforts with other security agencies and the Department of State Services (DSS) have enhanced the Command’s effectiveness.
While acknowledging challenges with non-functional scanning machines, the CAC said the Command effectively uses ICT systems for internal communication and coordination with the headquarters through digital platforms and surveillance technology.
Under Otunla’s leadership, Ogun 1 Command has maintained peaceful relations with border communities, a significant improvement in an area previously marked by frequent clashes between smugglers and security personnel.
Since his assumption of duty, there have been no reported cases of violent confrontation between customs officers and smugglers, a record Otunla attributes to proactive engagement with royal fathers, community leaders, and youth groups.
“We have worked closely with traditional rulers to sensitize the youths on the dangers of smuggling,” he said. “When there are legitimate activities around the border, people are less likely to engage in illegal trade.”
In alignment with the Nigeria Customs Service’s “Customs Cares” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Command has also intensified outreach programmes. Through the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), relief materials, mosquito nets, and empowerment tools have been distributed to local communities and hospitals.
“The Command has identified several areas needing intervention,” Otunla said. “Though we lack big stakeholders like Lagos, we are doing our best to make a difference through COWA’s ongoing empowerment programmes.”
Addressing the recurring issue of “camp boys” locally referred to as kelebe who are often accused of extorting motorists under the guise of working with Customs, Comptroller Otunla reaffirmed that such individuals are not part of the Service.
He said a task force has been set up to arrest and discipline any officer found using such unauthorized individuals. “Camp boys are not part of our system. We have warned our officers repeatedly, and there are strict sanctions for violators,” he stressed.
Despite progress, the Command continues to grapple with infrastructural challenges, including poor electricity supply and limited operational vehicles. Otunla disclosed that the Command runs largely on solar and generator power, as the national grid supply remains unreliable in the border communities.
He also appealed for more patrol vehicles from headquarters, noting that Ogun 1 is a large anti-smuggling zone that requires constant mobility. “Our patrol teams need functional vehicles to cover the vast terrain effectively,” he noted.
Comptroller Otunla acknowledged that commercial activities at Idiroko have not fully recovered since the 2022 border reopening, following years of closure. However, the Command remains committed to restoring legitimate trade and ensuring compliance among traders.
“Trade is gradually picking up,” he said. “We are optimistic that with time, full activities will return, especially if other nearby borders like Imeko and Ohunbe are reopened.”
Reflecting on his tenure so far, Otunla described his experience as fulfilling and impactful. “I have no regrets coming to Ogun 1 Command. Every day brings a new challenge, and I see it as an opportunity to serve better,” he stated.
His leadership has been described as people-oriented and reform-driven, fostering discipline, boosting morale, and promoting a culture of professionalism across the Command.
“Integrity, intelligence, and welfare that’s the tripod on which our success stands,” Comptroller Otunla emphasized.
Crime & Security
AHEAD OF ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: CP ORUTUGU ORDERS TARGETED SECURITY OPERATIONS TO CURB POLITICAL THUGGERY AND VIOLENCE
In view of the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD has ordered respective Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to intensify intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints in their respective Areas of jurisdiction in the State.
The strategic move is aimed at nipping in the bud any emerging threats of political thuggery, cult-related violence and the illegal possession of firearms, with the overall goal of ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral environment.
The Commissioner noted that credible intelligence reports indicate that certain individuals and groups, acting on behalf of political interests, may be mobilizing youths for violent activities before and during the election period.
He emphasized that the Command will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public peace, intimidate voters, or undermine lawful electoral processes.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and non-partisan, stating clearly that the duty of the Police is to protect the lives and property of the people, safeguard the integrity of the electoral space, and enforce the law without fear, favour, or political influence.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka
28th October 2025
Crime & Security
A Salute to Service: Comptroller Otunla Hosts Farewell Party for Dedicated Customs Officers
The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, has celebrated the retirement of 49 officers of the command, describing them as exemplary patriots who served the nation with distinction and integrity.
The event, held at the Idiroko Border Command Headquarters, was graced by stakeholders, journalists, and junior officers who gathered to honour the departing personnel for their years of meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and to the country.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Otunla said the send-forth ceremony was organized to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of the retiring officers.
“On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, we decided that our retiring officers, about 49 of them, the highest being a Deputy Comptroller should not just leave quietly. With the support of our stakeholders, we chose to give them a befitting send-forth celebration,” he said.
He explained that the retirees had mentored several younger officers during their service, emphasizing that their legacy would continue through those who learned from their leadership and commitment to enforcement duties.
“Many of these officers were my real strikers in enforcement operations. We recorded remarkable seizures through their efforts, and they did it as a team with their subordinates. The younger ones have surely learned one or two things from them,” Otunla added.
The Comptroller also reflected on the nature of Customs work, describing officers as “task collectors” whose duties often make them unpopular but essential.
“If you ask the public who hates Customs, many will raise their hands because we collect taxes. But if you ask who wants to join Customs, millions will raise theirs. We may not be loved, but we are respected for doing our job,” he noted.
“We collaborate with the immediate community because we can’t do it alone. We are here to protect the people and safeguard the integrity of the nation,” he added.
A highlight of the event was the double recognition of Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC)
Idris Adamu, Coordinator Intervention Ogun I Command, who received two awards, one from Comptroller Otunla for outstanding service, and another from members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in appreciation of his professionalism and strong media relations.
Comptroller Otunla commended CSC Adamu and other retirees for their dedication, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service whose sacrifices contributed immensely to the success of the Ogun I Command.
“Our officers are leaving behind a legacy of excellence, discipline, and dedication to duty. Their efforts in combating smuggling, securing the borders, and enhancing revenue generation will not be forgotten,” he said.
In his remarks, CSC Idris Adamu “It is with deep gratitude and a profound sense of fulfillment that I stand before you today as I take a bow from active service. Looking back over the years, I feel truly honoured to have served this great institution, the Nigeria Customs Service with dedication, loyalty, and pride.
He continued: “I want to sincerely appreciate the leadership and management team Nigeria customs service and our area controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, whose guidance, mentorship, and commitment to excellence have inspired many of us throughout our careers. Sir, your encouragement and unwavering support have made this journey a rewarding one, and I remain deeply grateful.
To my colleagues and subordinates, I say thank you for the teamwork, cooperation, and friendship that made every challenge surmountable. Together, we have shared long days, tough duties, and proud moments that will remain with me forever.
I am particularly humbled and honoured by the recognition and the award bestowed upon me today. This means a lot to me, not just as a symbol of my service, but as a reminder that diligence, integrity, and dedication never go unnoticed.
As I retire, I carry with me beautiful memories, valuable lessons, and a heart full of gratitude. I wish the Service continued success and greater achievements under the visionary leadership of our Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and the entire management team.
The ceremony ended with presentations of plaques, cultural displays, and tributes from colleagues and stakeholders, all applauding the retirees for their years of distinguished service to the nation.
In a sustained effort to ensure a peaceful, safe, and credible forthcoming Governorship Election in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has arrested a notorious suspected cultist and political thug identified as Onyeaka Odogwu aka Red Angel, aged 29 years.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka, the team also recovered 2 (Two) Pump Action Guns, 2 (Two) English made Double-Barrel Guns, 3 (Three) Live Cartridges, Red Cloth and Regalia Bearing Cult Insignia and 3 (Three) Black Caps as well as 2 (Two) Red Caps with inscriptions associated with Vikings Confraternity.
- The arrest was made on 24th October 2025, at about 11.30hrs, following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and also linked himself to activities involving political thuggery. Also, following his confession, the suspect in the early hours of today, 26th October 2025, he led SPACS operatives to their Armoury at Omor, where above mentioned exhibits were recovered.
AHEAD OF ANAMBRA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: CP ORUTUGU ORDERS TARGETED SECURITY OPERATIONS TO CURB POLITICAL THUGGERY AND VIOLENCE
ANAMBRA SECURITY: POLICE CONFIRMS FOILED ARMED ATTACK ON EZINIFITE COMMUNITY, ONE SUSPECT NEUTRALIZED AND FIREARM RECOVERED
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