Nigeria Customs Deepens Global Security Partnerships at DSA 2026, Adeniyi Advocates Coordinated Action
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to international security cooperation as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, participated in the 19th edition of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2026 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The high-profile event, which commenced on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), brought together more than 1,400 companies and key stakeholders spanning defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security. It was formally declared open by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
Adeniyi, who attended as a Special Guest, addressed participants 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.
The session attracted security leaders from 14 countries across Asia and the Pacific, providing a platform for strategic discussions on emerging global threats.
In his remarks, the Customs chief stressed that the evolving nature of crime – particularly across borders – demands a decisive shift in how enforcement agencies respond. He called for stronger, coordinated international efforts rather than isolated national actions.
“The nature of crime has evolved beyond borders, requiring enforcement agencies to move from isolated responses to coordinated global action. Collaboration is no longer optional; it is the foundation of effective security,” Adeniyi stated.
He highlighted the increasing sophistication of transnational criminal networks, noting that crimes such as narcotics trafficking, wildlife smuggling, financial fraud, and terrorism financing are now deeply interconnected.
According to him, this complexity requires enforcement strategies anchored on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and unified frameworks.
Drawing from the NCS experience, Adeniyi outlined a three-pronged strategy centred on technology adoption, institutional collaboration, and continuous capacity building.
He emphasised that modern law enforcement must leverage advanced technological tools while equipping personnel with the expertise needed to respond to emerging crime patterns.
“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 added.
The Comptroller-General also referenced frameworks developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), describing them as critical instruments guiding member states in addressing cross-border criminal activities.
He noted that criminal operations originating in one region often have far-reaching global consequences, underscoring the urgency of collective international action.
Deliberations at the dialogue revealed shared challenges confronting enforcement agencies worldwide, including manpower shortages, outdated equipment, and the rapid advancement of technology-driven crime.
Participants agreed that criminal networks are becoming increasingly organised and coordinated, thereby necessitating stronger partnerships among governments, international organisations, and private security actors.
Stakeholders also called for enhanced intelligence gathering, deeper community engagement, and sustained collaboration with global enforcement bodies such as INTERPOL. Emphasis was placed on building trust and ensuring seamless cooperation across borders.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held a series of bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas, aimed at strengthening operational partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to deepening collaboration with international security networks across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, stressing that such alliances are vital to safeguarding national borders, protecting economic interests, and preserving the integrity of the global trading system.
