Ogun I Customs Command Honours Outstanding Officers, Teams at 2025 Annual Awards Gala

Ogun I Customs Command Honours Outstanding Officers, Teams at 2025 Annual Awards Gala

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured outstanding officers, patrol teams and outstations at its 2025 Annual Awards Gala Night, held to celebrate excellence, professionalism and dedication to duty.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Awards Committee, DC Yusuf, said the event was designed not only to celebrate past achievements but to set higher performance benchmarks for the future of the Command.

According to him, the award selection process was rigorous and guided by fairness, transparency and integrity, in line with the values of the Nigeria Customs Service and the provisions of the NCS Act 2023.

“This ceremony is about recognising sacrifice, commitment and distinguished service. It is also a call to all officers to rise to the challenges of our vast land borders and continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism,” DC Yusuf said.

Compliance Team Emerges Outstanding

A major highlight of the night was the outstanding performance of the Compliance Team led by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) M.O. Lawal, which emerged as the most decorated team of the ceremony, clinching five major awards.

Under the leadership of CSC M.O. Lawal, the Compliance Team won the following categories:

• Patrol Team with Highest Number of Seizures for the Year
• Patrol Team with Highest Value of Seizures
• Team with Highest Seizures of Foreign Vehicles
• Team with Highest Seizures of Rice
• Team with Single Highest Seizure by Duty Paid Value

The multiple awards were attributed to sustained intelligence-driven operations, effective coordination and strong leadership within the team, reflecting its pivotal role in the Command’s enforcement successes during the year.

Other Award Winners

Other teams recognised at the gala include:

• Patrol Team with Highest Seizures of Narcotics: Roving B Team, led by AC A.A. Dalhatu
• Team with Highest Seizures of Tyres: Roving C Team, led by AC E.K. Onyeasor
• Most Gallant Patrol Team of the Year: Rapid Response Squad B, led by CSC I. Eze
• Best Outstation of the Year: Ijounbe Outstation, led by AC Ogunjobi
• Team with Highest Seizures of PMS: Anti-Bunkering Team C, led by CSC A.O. Titcomb
• Team with Highest Seizures of Arms and Ammunition: Operation SEAT Team, led by SC G.O. Sanni

Area Controller Sets 2026 Target

In his remarks, the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, described the awards as a strategic tool to motivate officers and promote healthy competition within the Service.

He said officers who distinguished themselves during the year deserved recognition, adding that the Command is already putting structures in place to surpass its enforcement and revenue performance in 2026.

“This initiative encourages dedication. When officers know that excellence is rewarded, they are motivated to give their best. Ogun I Command is also positioning itself to become not just an enforcement zone but a strong revenue-generating command,” Afeni stated.

The Area Controller also noted that the ceremony provided an opportunity for officers to unwind after months of demanding operations, while reinforcing unity, morale and professionalism across the Command.

The event attracted senior Customs officers, traditional rulers, representatives of sister security agencies and other stakeholders, marking a night of celebration, reflection and renewed commitment to service excellence within Ogun I Area Command.