*IKEJA, LAGOS* — The Customs Police Unit are kings of Zone A football.
In a tense final on Saturday at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, a solitary first-half strike was enough to see off Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command 1-0 and clinch the trophy at the Nigeria Customs Service Zone A Inter-Command Games.
The Unit defended resolutely in the second half, soaking up pressure to secure the win and spark jubilant celebrations from players and supporters. The victory capped 20 days of intense competition, fitness drills, and team spirit among officers across the region.
The football final was the headline event of the broader Zone A Inter-Command Games, which ran from August 17 to September 5, 2026. Sixteen teams from Customs commands across the zone competed in four sports: football, chess, badminton, and table tennis. The Games were held under the theme “Fit to Serve, United to Lead.”
*Adeniyi Backs Sports as Core to Customs Work*
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who attended the closing ceremony, praised the Zone A leadership for delivering what he called a “colourful and high-quality tournament.” He said the event reflects his administration’s pillars of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.
The CGC noted the presence of sister agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, as proof of strong interagency partnership in protecting national security. He also applauded the parade of commands, calling their outfits and presentation “creative and inspiring.”
Adeniyi urged that the Games be revived and expanded beyond zonal level, recalling how past Customs zonal competitions historically produced inter-zonal championships.
He also made a case for better sports infrastructure. Citing the Service’s legacy in volleyball, basketball, football, beach volleyball, and athletics, he said upgraded training facilities are critical for officers to develop their talents.
He disclosed that the proposed new Customs Training College site in Ogun State will include modern sporting facilities. In the meantime, temporary arrangements will be made at the current Ikeja college for recruits.
Beyond medals, the CGC told officers to take home the values of sport.
“The virtues of discipline, teamwork, and strategy are the most vital takeaways from a competition like this,” Adeniyi said. “Discipline drives our patrol missions, teamwork enables seamless collaboration, and strategy is essential to meeting revenue targets.”
*Zone Coordinator Hails Organisers*
Earlier, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, thanked the Comptroller-General for approving the Games, saying they would not have held without his support.
He commended the organising committee for uniting 16 commands in a peaceful and competitive atmosphere.
Babandede reminded participants that every officer who competed was a winner. He urged them to use the experience to grow, pursue excellence, and come back stronger in the next edition.
With cheers, medals, and a new football trophy in hand, the Customs Police Unit ended the 2026 Zone A Games as champions — and set the bar high for 2027.
