Customs Records Six Major Seizures in Joint Nigeria-Benin Border Operation

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded six major seizures involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing during a joint border security operation with Benin Customs.

In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, on October 20, 2026, the Service said the operation, code-named GEOCONTROL, was conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, under the World Customs Organisation-Japan International Cooperation Agency joint project.

The operation covered 10 targeted areas along the Benin-Nigeria border corridor, with four suspects detained. Benin Customs recorded 31 seizures during the exercise.

The NCS said the operation deployed geospatial intelligence, aerial surveillance and risk mapping to identify smuggling hotspots, monitor high-risk routes and improve intelligence sharing between the two countries.

It added that the exercise marked the first operational deployment of geospatial intelligence capabilities developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, completed in February 2026.

According to the Service, the operation demonstrated the value of technology and cross-border cooperation in disrupting illicit trade, strengthening border security and protecting government revenue.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with international partners and neighbouring customs administrations to combat smuggling, secure the nation’s borders and facilitate legitimate trade.