Overwhelmed by the achievements, Katsina community has honoured an Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Abba-Aji Idriss, a whose leadership has reshaped Katsina Command and left an indelible mark on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The ACT, moment of pride, reverence, and appreciation as officers, stakeholders, and community representatives gathered to honour Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Abba-Aji Idriss, an administrator whose leadership has reshaped Katsina Command and left an indelible mark on the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Born in 1967 into the respected family of the renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abba-Aji of Borno State, the ACG’s journey has been defined by discipline, optimism, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
From his early education at Hausari Primary School and Yerwa Government Science Secondary School, to earning a degree from the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in 1990, Abba-Aji demonstrated the brilliance and character that would later shape his service to the nation.
He joined the Nigeria Customs Service in September 1991 as ASC I. Over the years, he rose steadily through the ranks, serving across strategic units including FOU Lagos, TICP, AD/TR, CIU Lagos and Borno, and Onne Port. His tenure as Deputy Comptroller of Special Duties in Katsina marked the beginning of his deep engagement with the state’s security and border management realities.
A certified trainer and seasoned administrator, he coordinated Basic Training (2022, 2023) and led the Comptrollers’ Retreats of 2024 and 2025, demonstrating a rare blend of technical expertise, emotional intelligence, and people-centred leadership.
Before becoming Customs Area Controller, Katsina Command, he served as Controller, Investigation Unit, NCS Headquarters Abuja.
His stewardship between July 2024 and November 2025, Katsina Command witnessed significant reforms and achievements that comprised restoring peace through conflict resolution mechanism.
During his tenure, Katsina Command struggled with strained relationships between officers and border communities. But ACG Abba-Aji deeply familiar with the terrain—championed dialogue, respect, and cooperation.
He paid strategic courtesy visits to the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police, traditional rulers, and key institutions including the Federal High Court Katsina, National Orientation Agency, National Human Rights Commission, IPMAN, Customs Licensed Agents, and several NGOs.
The celebrant ensured entrenched corporate social responsibility With impact drives riven by a belief that Customs must serve the society it protects, the CAC provided free medical care and instructional materials to pupils of Hassan Usman Science Model Primary School.
He also took sensitisation campaigns to secondary schools and tertiary institutions, discouraging smuggling and educating youths on transnational crime.
In collaboration with NESREA, he supervised the safe disposal of hazardous decomposed second-hand clothing, preventing potential health hazards to officers and neighbouring communities.
The command modernise the command and improve working conditions, he initiated and completed renovations including; new modern conference hall,
standard photo stand and renovate customs canteen besides renovation of the quarter guards.
Abba-Aji undertook a seven-day tour of all border stations, assessing relationships among officers, agencies, stakeholders, and host communities—fostering cooperation and trust.
On Revenue performance amid closed borders, at present border closures affecting operations, the command maintained disciplined revenue procedures while navigating the geopolitical impasse between Niger and Benin Republic.
Based on the efforts, Command made a remarkable haul of 698,600 Tramadol tablets and 174 wraps of Indian hemp, valued at approximately ₦720 million, underscoring its vigilance under his leadership.
He championed officers’ physical and mental wellbeing by organising a 3 km security marathon and commissioning a volleyball court at the Customs Barracks on 29 May 2025.
He was the reception Awards and Honours with fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration (FCIA), Abba-Aji Idriss has earned multiple recognitions for professionalism and leadership.
Described as diligent, resilient, proactive, and emotionally intelligent, ACG Abba-Aji Idriss is admired not only as a Customs leader but also as a gentleman, mentor, and role model. Happily married and blessed with children, he enjoys reading and sports—especially badminton
