Customs CG Advocates Intelligence Sharing to Tackle Transnational Crime in Malaysia

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for stronger global collaboration to tackle transnational crime, as Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, participated in the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In a statement released to the press, Adeniyi urged enforcement agencies worldwide to move from isolated responses to coordinated action in addressing evolving security threats.

The conference, which held on April 21, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, brought together over 1,400 companies and stakeholders in defence technology, electronic warfare and homeland security, and was declared open by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Speaking at the Police–Private Security Dialogue on Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Networks under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International SecuritySummit (AMISST) 2026, Adeniyi said the nature of crime has become increasingly transnational, requiring joint global responses.

He noted that criminal activities such as drug trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud and terrorism financing are interconnected, stressing the need for intelligence sharing and coordinated operations among countries.

Drawing from the experience of the NCS, Adeniyi outlined a three-pillar strategy focused on technology adoption, institutional collaboration and capacity building to strengthen enforcement efforts.

He also referenced frameworks of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), describing them as essential tools for combating cross-border crimes, while noting that criminal networks operating across regions have global implications.

Participants at the dialogue highlighted challenges including limited manpower, outdated tools and the rapid growth of technology-driven crime, calling for stronger cooperation among governments, international organisations and private sector stakeholders.

They emphasised the need for improved intelligence gathering, community engagement and sustained collaboration with global agencies such as INTERPOL to enhance border security.

On the sidelines of the event, the Comptroller-General held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific and the Americas to strengthen operational partnerships and promote knowledge exchange.

Adeniyi reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to deepen collaboration with international partners, noting that such efforts are key to securing borders, protecting national economic interests and maintaining the integrity of the global trading system.