Adeniyi Tasks Customs Police on Discipline, Intelligence-Led Enforcement, Inter-Agency Collaboration
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has called for stronger discipline, intelligence-led enforcement and inter-agency collaboration to tackle illicit trade and strengthen accountability within the Service.
Adeniyi made the call at the inaugural Customs Police Summit 2026, organised by the Customs Police Unit at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General, who is also Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, described the Customs Police Unit as a critical institution for protecting the integrity of the Service and ensuring that officers operate within the provisions of the law.
He maintained that effective Customs administration requires a balance between facilitating legitimate trade and preventing illicit activities, noting that neither responsibility can be achieved without a disciplined and trustworthy enforcement unit.
Tracing the history of Customs enforcement in Nigeria to 1891, Adeniyi recalled that the Customs Police Unit was formally inaugurated in July 2019 to investigate erring personnel, prevent crime and enforce compliance.
He said the founding principle of the Unit remains relevant: no officer is above the law.
The Customs chief observed that criminal networks have become increasingly sophisticated, using legitimate trade routes and digital platforms to facilitate the movement of prohibited goods, including firearm components, narcotics, fake medicines, protected wildlife and illicit financial proceeds.
To address these threats, he advocated the deployment of modern technology, improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation among security and regulatory agencies.
He identified the World Customs Organization’s SAFE Framework, Authorised Economic Operator programme, advance rulings, Time Release Study and Revised Kyoto Convention as important instruments for promoting compliance and reducing opportunities for corruption.
He further highlighted the role of the B’Odogwu digital platform in integrating declarations, valuation and risk management processes, while describing the INTERPOL Data Centre at Customs Headquarters as a valuable resource for accessing international criminal intelligence.
Adeniyi said the future of the Customs Police Unit would depend on three strategic priorities: Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
He explained that consolidation would strengthen operational procedures, investigation standards and professional development, while collaboration would deepen working relationships with relevant security agencies and border communities.
On innovation, he urged the Unit to embrace artificial intelligence, advanced scanning technology, geospatial tools and electronic cargo tracking to improve enforcement operations.
However, he cautioned that technological advancement must not replace legal procedures, stressing the need for human oversight, data protection and proper audit trails in the use of artificial intelligence.
The Comptroller-General also challenged the summit to produce practical recommendations on developing a Customs Police doctrine, improving joint operational protocols, strengthening evidence management and information exchange, and enhancing the training and welfare of personnel.
He urged officers and men of the Unit to protect the reputation of the Service through discipline, restraint and professionalism.
“The Red Beret you wear carries the trust of Nigerians and the reputation of the Service. Wear it with discipline. Wear it with restraint. Wear it with pride,” he charged.
He added that integrity remains the greatest badge every Customs Police officer must carry.
Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Acting Provost Marshal, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs at Headquarters, the organising committee and partner agencies before formally declaring the summit open.
