Retiring ACG Ejibunu Praises CG Adeniyi, Recounts 35 Years of Anti-Smuggling Battles in Customs

The Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of the Nigeria Customs Service and renowned anti-smuggling czar, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, has paid glowing tributes to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, describing him as a transformative leader who gave him the platform to fully showcase his professional capabilities in the Service.

Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of his well-attended retirement ceremony held in Lagos on Sunday, ACG Ejibunu reflected on a distinguished 35-year career in the Nigeria Customs Service, marked by dedication, sacrifice, and frontline enforcement against smuggling.

Looking back on his journey, Ejibunu revealed that three individuals played defining roles in shaping his career and giving his service meaning. He identified Senator Francis Ade Fadahunsi, MFR; former Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali (rtd); and the incumbent Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as key figures who “showcased him to the world.”

He also acknowledged the support of the former Minister of Industry and the former Minister of Interior, Major General Abdullahi Bagudu (rtd), who facilitated his enlistment into the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to Ejibunu, it was Senator Fadahunsi who first brought him into the CG Strike Force when the senator served as its Coordinator.

“I remained the last man standing with him at the time. He believed in me and gave me the opportunity to prove myself,” he recalled.

He further disclosed that while he was posted to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, former CG Hameed Ali appointed him Commander of the Strike Force in Abuja, following a major enforcement breakthrough.

“One day, in the line of duty, I intercepted 22 Hilux vehicles inside a military barracks. That incident made CG Ali start watching me closely. When the opportunity arose at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, he immediately drafted me to superintend over the unit,” Ejibunu said.

Reflecting on his elevation under the current administration, Ejibunu noted that his rise under CG Adeniyi was driven purely by merit and performance.

“When CG Adeniyi assumed office, some officers, out of sentiments, demanded my removal. But he said, ‘No.’ In December 2023, he promoted me to the rank of Comptroller,” he stated.

He added that in April 2024, CG Adeniyi appointed him to the Abuja Headquarters as the Pioneer National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, a special initiative aimed at curbing the smuggling of petroleum products.

“Under Operation Whirlwind, we worked closely with multiple security and regulatory agencies to nip fuel smuggling in the bud. It was during this period that CG Adeniyi further elevated me to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General,” Ejibunu disclosed.

According to him, the successes recorded by Operation Whirlwind earned the team a Presidential Commendation, further validating the effectiveness of the initiative.

On the future of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ejibunu advised CG Adeniyi to ensure the completion of the ongoing institutional reforms before the end of his tenure.

“It is important that these reforms are fully concluded so that the younger officers coming behind us are well-grounded and able to sustain the stability and progress of the Service,” he said.

While expressing concern over the gradual exit of highly experienced officers, Ejibunu maintained that there remains hope in the current crop of officers to uphold professionalism and institutional values if properly mentored.

Recounting his most painful experience in service, the retired ACG described the death of two of his officers during an operation at FOU Zone A as the most traumatic moment of his career. “I wept bitterly,” he said emotionally.

He revealed that one of the slain officers was dumped in a ditch after Customs operatives were ambushed by smugglers. “After that ugly incident, I gave a directive that such criminals should be shot from the kneecap downward. We would treat them and then charge them to court,” Ejibunu stated.

He also recalled a dangerous encounter with lions in Niger State during an operation that led to the interception of 65 used (‘tokunbo’) vehicles, underscoring the risks faced by officers in the line of duty.

ACG Ejibunu concluded by thanking Almighty God for His protection and mercy throughout his 35 years of active service in the Nigeria Customs Service.

The retirement ceremony was attended by several serving and retired senior Customs officers and government functionaries, including Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) Alajogun, fsi; DCG Omale; DCG Adeola; and DCG Abba Kura.

Also in attendance were ACG Joy Edelduok; Comptroller Aliyu of FOU Zone A; Deputy Comptroller Afeni CAC of the Idiroko Border Command; and a representative of the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, among others.