Customs Records Major Seizures Under WCO-JICA Joint Border Project

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has recorded major operational successes under Operation GEOCONTROL conducted along the Benin-Nigeria border corridor under the World Customs Organisation, WCO, and Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, Joint Project.

The operation, implemented from June 29 to July 8, 2026, brought together the NCS and Benin Directorate General of Customs under WCO coordination with JICA support, in furtherance of commitment to strengthening border security, combating smuggling and advancing intelligence-led enforcement.

According to a statement by Deputy Comptroller and National PRO, Abdullahi Maiwada, on October 20, 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 exercise was designed to demonstrate practical application of GEOINT in identifying smuggling hotspots, mapping high-risk routes, improving intelligence sharing and supporting coordinated enforcement, combining geospatial analysis, hotspot mapping, aerial surveillance and coordinated field deployment.

Consolidated results covered 10 targeted areas. While Benin Customs Administration reported 31 seizures, NCS recorded six significant seizures involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing. Four suspects were detained.

The Service said beyond seizures, the operation demonstrated practical value of GEOINT as enforcement capability, particularly in identification of vulnerable border locations, analysis of high-risk movement patterns and deployment of resources to priority areas.

It said use of multiple risk maps and hotspot analyses supported intelligence-driven field activities, while exchange of operational information enhanced coordination between the two Customs administrations.

“The successful implementation highlights importance of sustained international cooperation, capacity development and technology-driven border management in addressing transnational smuggling,” the statement noted.

The post-operation report dated August 2, 2026, documented results and operational lessons from the joint deployment.

NCS reiterated commitment to deepening cooperation with international partners and neighbouring administrations to strengthen border security, improve intelligence sharing and promote legitimate trade, leveraging technological capabilities and collaborative frameworks to combat smuggling and protect national interests.