The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for the deployment of artificial intelligence, advanced scanners and intelligence-led operations to strengthen the fight against smuggling and other transnational crimes.
Adeniyi, who is also Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, made the call at the inaugural Customs Police Summit 2026 held at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.
He said criminal networks had become increasingly sophisticated, exploiting legitimate trade routes and digital platforms to move firearm components, narcotics, fake medicines, protected wildlife and illicit funds.
The Customs boss stressed that the Service must adopt smarter enforcement strategies, leveraging technology, reliable intelligence and stronger inter-agency collaboration to tackle emerging security threats.
He identified consolidation, collaboration and innovation as the three pillars that would shape the future of the Customs Police Unit (CPU), stressing that effective enforcement must be balanced with trade facilitation, fairness and accountability.
According to him, the Customs Police Unit, inaugurated in July 2019, has a mandate to investigate erring personnel, prevent crime and ensure compliance within the Service.
He emphasised that no Customs officer was above the law, adding that the police powers granted to the Service under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 must be exercised responsibly.
“Every search, arrest and detention must rest on lawful grounds and withstand public and judicial scrutiny,” he said.
Adeniyi also highlighted the importance of digital platforms, particularly B’Odogwu, which integrates customs declarations, valuation, risk management and Authorised Economic Operator processes while providing reliable audit trails.
He disclosed that the INTERPOL Data Centre at Customs Headquarters had also strengthened the Service’s access to global criminal databases, supporting intelligence-driven investigations.
On collaboration, he urged the CPU to deepen partnerships with the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Department of State Services (DSS), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other relevant agencies.
He noted that no single institution could successfully combat illicit trade without effective cooperation.
The Customs CG further urged participants at the summit to develop a comprehensive Customs Police doctrine anchored in the NCS Act 2023 and the Revised Arusha Declaration.
He also called for practical protocols on joint operations, evidence management and information exchange, alongside guidelines for responsible use of data and artificial intelligence in investigations.
Other priorities, he said, should include improved training, welfare and professional recognition for Customs Police personnel.
Addressing officers of the unit, Adeniyi urged them to uphold discipline, restraint and integrity, describing the Red Beret as a symbol of public trust and the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He said the success of the Service’s enforcement operations depended not only on its ability to intercept illicit goods but also on its commitment to ensuring that officers themselves remained accountable
