The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stressed the urgent need for coordinated global responses to emerging security threats and the growing sophistication of transnational criminal networks beyond cross-border trade.

Comptroller-General of the NCS, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, warned that activities, such as narcotics trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud and terrorism financing, are increasingly interconnected.

He stated this at the 19th Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition and Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 21, 2026, which brought together over 1,400 companies and key stakeholders across defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security.

In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Dr Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs boss said the nature of crime had evolved beyond borders, requiring enforcement agencies to move from isolated responses to coordinated global action.

Adeniyi spoke as a special guest at the police–private security dialogue on cross-border crime and transnational networks, convened under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit (AMISST) 2026, with security leaders from 14 countries across Asia and the Pacific.

According to him, collaboration is no longer optional, noting that it is the foundation of effective security.

He said enforcement strategies must reflect this reality through intelligence sharing and joint operations.

The Comptroller-General, who outlined a three-pillar approach focused on technology adoption, institutional collaboration and capacity building, stressed that modern enforcement requires advanced tools and skilled personnel capable of responding to emerging crime typologies.

“We must invest in technology, strengthen partnerships, and continuously build the capacity of our officers to stay ahead of criminal networks that are constantly evolving,” he said.

Adeniyi also referenced the World Customs Organisation (WCO) frameworks, noting that these instruments provide critical guidance to member administrations in tackling cross-border crimes.

He added that criminal patterns originating from different regions have global implications, reinforcing the need for collective international action.

Participants at the dialogue identified common challenges facing enforcement agencies, including limited workforce, outdated tools, and the rapid advancement of technology-enabled crime.

Stakeholders, however, called for enhanced intelligence gathering, deeper engagement with communities, and sustained partnerships with global agencies, such as INTERPOL.

On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held bilateral engagements with Customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific and the Americas to deepen operational partnerships and knowledge exchange.

He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with international security networks across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.