The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has recorded significant seizures of narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing during a joint border security operation with the Benin Customs Administration.
The seizures, alongside the detention of four suspects, were recorded during Operation GEOCONTROL, conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, along the Benin–Nigeria border corridor under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)–Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project.
The operation covered 10 targeted areas, with the Benin Customs Administration recording 31 seizures, according to the consolidated results documented in the post-operation report dated August 2, 2026.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, said the operation demonstrated the importance of international cooperation, intelligence sharing and technology-driven border management in tackling transnational smuggling.
“The successful implementation of Operation GEOCONTROL highlights the importance of sustained international cooperation, capacity development and technology-driven border management in addressing transnational smuggling.
“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,” Maiwada said.
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.
The initiative was designed to identify smuggling hotspots, map high-risk routes, improve intelligence sharing and support coordinated Customs enforcement through geospatial analysis, aerial surveillance and coordinated field deployment.
The NCS said risk maps and hotspot analyses helped guide intelligence-led field activities, while operational information sharing improved coordination between the Nigerian and Beninese Customs administrations.
The operation also provided an opportunity to apply skills acquired through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme to practical border enforcement challenges.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with international partners and neighbouring Customs administrations to improve border security, enhance intelligence sharing and facilitate legitimate trade.
