Customs advocates improved collaboration to address border insecurity

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi has reiterated the importance of domestic and international collaboration in addressing security challenges at the borders.

He emphasised the strategic importance of border management in safeguarding national security, economic stability and citizen protection.

Adeniyi stated this in his keynote address titled: “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example,” at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar.

Adeniyi, who was represented by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasised that borders are more than physical boundaries, as they are strategic gateways critical to national security, economic protection, and the safety of citizens.

The CGC highlighted the transformative impact of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023, which has redefined the NCS’s operational focus in response to emerging threats, enhanced efficiency and improved collaboration.

Adeniyi said the NCS made significant strides in combating transnational crimes, highlighting how, through intelligence-led operations, the service disrupted illegal arms shipments, including the seizure of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne Seaport.

He said these efforts have significantly disrupted the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which remain a persistent threat to national security.

Adeniyi said collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) resulted in multiple drug trafficking interceptions, while officers seized 4,200 kilogrammes of pangolin scales and ivory, demonstrating a commitment to biodiversity protection and international compliance.

On fuel smuggling crackdown, the CGC said the Service intercepted over 695,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) under Operation Whirlwind, in collaboration with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

This milestone, Adeniyi noted, was achieved through the adoption of innovative technology and enhanced compliance frameworks.

The CGC underscored the role of geospatial technologies, such as satellite feeds and geo-mapping, in enhancing the Service’s surveillance and enforcement capabilities, ensuring that these operations are effective and sustainable.

He said these innovations have ensured more sustainable and effective operations against economic sabotage, smuggling, and wildlife trafficking.

The NCS was honoured with the ‘Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024’ award, cementing its status as a leader in border security and trade facilitation.