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NIGERIA CUSTOMS SEEKS STRONGER GLOBAL COOPERATION AGAINST CROSS BORDER CRIME AT DSA 2026 IN KUALA LUMPUR
By prince Benson Davies
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated its commitment to international security collaboration, as the Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi, joined global security leaders at the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The high level event held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) and was declared open by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The conference brought together over 1,400 companies and stakeholders in defence technology, electronic warfare and homeland security.
Speaking as a Special Guest at the Police to Private Security Dialogue on Cross Border Crime and Transnational Networks, Adeniyi said enforcement agencies must move from isolated responses to coordinated global action to tackle emerging security threats. The session was held under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit (AMISST) 2026 and drew security leaders from 14 countries across Asia and the Pacific.
“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 noted that transnational criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, with narcotics trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud and terrorism financing increasingly linked. He said enforcement strategies must reflect this reality through intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Drawing from the Nigeria Customs Service experience, the CGC outlined a three pillar approach built on technology adoption, institutional collaboration and capacity building. He said modern enforcement requires advanced tools and skilled personnel who can respond to new 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 said.
Adeniyi referenced World Customs Organisation (WCO) frameworks as critical guidance for member administrations dealing with cross border crime. He added that criminal patterns from different regions often have global impact, which makes collective international action necessary.
Participants at the dialogue listed common challenges facing enforcement agencies, including limited workforce, outdated tools and the rapid growth of technology enabled crime. They agreed that criminals are more coordinated, and that stronger collaboration is needed among governments, international organisations and private security stakeholders.
Stakeholders called for better intelligence gathering, deeper engagement with communities and sustained partnerships with global agencies such as INTERPOL. They stressed the need to build trust and ensure seamless cross border cooperation.
On the sidelines of the conference, the CGC held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia Pacific and the Americas to deepen operational partnerships and knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to working with international security networks across Asia, Europe and the Americas. He said such partnerships are critical to securing borders, protecting national economic interests and supporting the integrity of the global trading system.
