The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the interception of significant arms shipments, including 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition, at the Onne Seaport.
This achievement, credited to intelligence-driven operations, underscores the Service’s commitment to enhancing national security.
At the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar, Adeniyi outlined the NCS’s dual focus on securing borders and facilitating trade.
Highlighting the agency’s accomplishments, he revealed a record-breaking revenue generation of ₦5.1 trillion in 2024, attributed to advanced technology and improved compliance systems.
During his keynote speech titled “Protecting National Security Through Effective Border Control: The Nigeria Customs Example,” Adeniyi emphasized the strategic importance of borders in safeguarding a nation’s citizens, economy, and overall security.
He lauded the Nigeria Customs Act 2023 for enabling the Service to address emerging threats and streamline operations effectively.
Adeniyi detailed the NCS’s collaborative efforts with both domestic and international partners to combat security threats, including the interception of illicit drugs, wildlife trafficking (seizing 4,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and ivory), and the smuggling of petroleum products.
Through initiatives like Operation Whirlwind, the Service intercepted over 695,000 litres of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit.
The use of geospatial technologies, such as satellite feeds and geo-mapping, has further bolstered the NCS’s enforcement capabilities, ensuring sustainability in its operations.
These advancements, coupled with the dedication of Customs personnel, have significantly disrupted the proliferation of arms and illicit activities threatening national stability.
The NCS also earned the prestigious title of Best National Security Service in West, East, and Central Africa 2023/2024 at the African Security Watch Conference.
Adeniyi was personally recognized for his exemplary leadership, cementing his role in the Service’s landmark achievements.
These accolades highlight the NCS’s unwavering commitment to strengthening border security, facilitating trade, and curbing transnational crimes through innovation and collaboration.
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