RismadarVoice Reporters, April 14, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its campaign against smuggling and maritime crime with the deployment of seven additional patrol vessels to the Western Marine Command.
The move, approved by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, is aimed at improving surveillance and enforcement across Nigeria’s waterways, particularly in areas prone to illegal trade activities.
The newly deployed assets two gunboats and five logistics vessels, were formally handed over on Monday, significantly expanding the Command’s operational fleet and enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to security threats.
During the handover ceremony, the Comptroller of the Western Marine Command, Patrick Ntadi, described the development as a major step forward in strengthening maritime enforcement.
He noted that the additional vessels would improve patrol coverage and enable officers to respond more effectively to smuggling activities and other transnational crimes along key water routes.
According to Ntadi, the deployment underscores the Service’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests, securing its maritime environment against illegal operations.
He explained that the expanded fleet would also help address previous operational limitations, while improving deterrence and overall efficiency in anti-smuggling efforts.
Ntadi emphasised that combating smuggling requires constant adaptation, stressing the importance of staying ahead of evolving tactics used by criminal networks.
He added that the success of the initiative would depend not only on improved equipment but also on sustained training and collaboration with other security agencies.
To ensure optimal use of the vessels, officers of the Command recently participated in a specialised training programme organised by SEWA Africa Ltd, the firm responsible for supplying the boats.
The training focused on vessel handling, safety protocols and operational best practices, equipping officers with the necessary skills to maximise the performance of the new assets.
A representative of the company, Steven Okitiape, said the programme was designed to enhance both technical competence and safety awareness among personnel.
He explained that the training serves as both a refresher and a capacity-building effort, ensuring that officers can operate the vessels efficiently while maintaining high safety standards.
The deployment highlights the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime security, improve enforcement capacity and safeguard national revenue from the impact of smuggling activities.
