By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded significant operational outcomes through its participation in Operation GEOCONTROL, a joint border enforcement operation conducted under the World Customs Organisation (WCO) – Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on 20th October, 2026, by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
According to the statement, the operation was implemented from 29th June to 8th July, 2026, along the Benin-Nigeria border corridor, bringing together the Nigeria Customs Service and the Benin Directorate General of Customs under WCO coordination, with JICA support.
The operation marked the first operational deployment of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, completed in February 2026.
Maiwada explained that the operation was designed to demonstrate the practical application of geospatial intelligence in identifying smuggling hotspots, mapping high-risk routes, improving intelligence sharing and supporting coordinated Customs enforcement.
“The operation combined geospatial analysis, hotspot mapping, aerial surveillance, intelligence exchange and coordinated field deployment to strengthen operational decision-making along the border corridor,” he stated.
The consolidated results covered 10 targeted areas. The Benin Customs Administration reported 31 seizures, while the Nigeria Customs Service recorded six significant seizure cases involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing. Four suspects were also detained during the operation.
The Customs spokesman said the outcomes underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation and intelligence-led enforcement in addressing illicit trade and other activities that undermine national security, lawful commerce and government revenue.
Beyond the seizures, Maiwada noted that the operation demonstrated the practical value of GEOINT as a Customs enforcement capability, particularly in the identification of vulnerable border locations, analysis of high-risk movement patterns and deployment of operational resources to priority areas.
He added that the use of multiple risk maps and hotspot analyses supported intelligence-driven field activities, while the exchange of operational information enhanced coordination between the two Customs administrations.
“The initiative also provided an opportunity to apply skills developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme to real-world enforcement challenges,” he said.
According to him, the successful implementation of Operation GEOCONTROL highlights the importance of sustained international cooperation, capacity development and technology-driven border management in addressing transnational smuggling.
He said the collaboration between the WCO, JICA, the NCS and the Benin Customs Administration demonstrates how shared intelligence, geospatial tools and coordinated operational planning can strengthen enforcement outcomes across common borders.
He disclosed that the post-operation report, dated 2nd August, 2026, further documented the results achieved and operational lessons from the joint deployment.
“The NCS reiterates its commitment to deepening cooperation with international partners and neighbouring Customs administrations to strengthen border security, improve intelligence sharing and promote legitimate trade,” Maiwada stated.
He assured that the Service will continue to leverage technological capabilities, professional expertise and collaborative enforcement frameworks to combat smuggling, protect national interests and contribute to a safer and more efficient trading environment.
