Nigeria Customs Deepens Global Security Ties at DSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpu
…Adeniyi pushes for coordinated global response to cross-border crime
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its growing footprint in global security cooperation, as Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, took centre stage at the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.
The global defence and security gathering, held on Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, brought together more than 1,400 companies alongside top stakeholders in defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security.
The event was formally opened by Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking as Special Guest at a high-level dialogue on cross-border crime, convened under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit 2026, Adeniyi delivered a clear message: global security threats can no longer be tackled in isolation.
He stressed that the rapidly evolving nature of transnational crime demands a unified, intelligence-driven approach among nations. “Crime has outgrown borders,” he noted, warning that fragmented responses are no longer effective in the face of increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.
The Customs chief pointed to the growing links between narcotics trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud, and terrorism financing, describing them as interconnected threats that require coordinated enforcement strategies. He argued that modern security responses must be anchored on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and sustained international collaboration.
Drawing from the NCS experience, Adeniyi outlined a three-pronged strategy focused on deploying advanced technology, strengthening institutional partnerships, and investing in continuous capacity building for officers. According to him, staying ahead of criminal networks requires both cutting-edge tools and highly skilled personnel.
He also highlighted the relevance of frameworks developed by the World Customs Organization, noting that they provide essential guidance for tackling cross-border crime and harmonising enforcement efforts across jurisdictions.
Discussions at the summit revealed shared concerns among global enforcement agencies, including manpower shortages, obsolete operational tools, and the fast pace of technology-enabled crime. Participants agreed that criminal networks are becoming more coordinated, making stronger international alliances imperative.
Stakeholders called for deeper intelligence cooperation, increased community engagement, and sustained collaboration with global bodies such as INTERPOL.
Building trust and ensuring seamless cross-border coordination, they noted, will be critical in confronting emerging threats.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi engaged in bilateral meetings with customs administrations from across the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas, aimed at strengthening operational ties and expanding knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed Nigeria Customs’ commitment to forging robust partnerships across continents, emphasising that such alliances are vital for securing national borders, safeguarding economic interests, and maintaining the integrity of global trade systems.
