RismadarVoice Reporters, April 22, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its commitment to global security collaboration as its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, participated in the 19th edition of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.
The high-profile event, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, convened over 1,400 companies and leading stakeholders in defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security. It was officially declared open by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
Adeniyi, who featured as a Special Guest at the Police–Private Security Dialogue on Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Networks, called for a decisive shift in how nations confront evolving security threats. The session formed part of the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit 2026, bringing together security leaders from 14 countries across Asia and the Pacific.
“The nature of crime has evolved beyond borders, requiring enforcement agencies to move from isolated responses to coordinated global action. Collaboration is no longer optional; it is the foundation of effective security,” Adeniyi stated.
He warned that transnational criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with activities such as narcotics trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud, and terrorism financing now deeply interconnected. According to him, enforcement strategies must adapt through enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Drawing from the experience of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi outlined a three-pronged strategy anchored on technology adoption, institutional collaboration, and continuous capacity building. He stressed that modern law enforcement demands both advanced tools and highly skilled personnel capable of responding to emerging threats.
“We must invest in technology, strengthen partnerships, and continuously build the capacity of our officers to stay ahead of criminal networks that are constantly evolving,” he said.
The Customs chief also referenced frameworks developed by the World Customs Organisation, noting their importance in guiding member states in tackling cross-border crimes. He emphasised that criminal activities originating in one region often have far-reaching global implications, underscoring the need for unified international action.
Participants at the dialogue highlighted shared challenges facing enforcement agencies, including manpower constraints, outdated operational tools, and the rapid evolution of technology-driven crime. There was broad agreement that criminal networks are increasingly coordinated, making stronger cooperation among governments, international organisations, and private security actors imperative.
Stakeholders also advocated for enhanced intelligence gathering, deeper community engagement, and sustained partnerships with global agencies such as INTERPOL. Building trust and ensuring seamless cross-border collaboration, they noted, remain critical to effective enforcement.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific and the Americas, aimed at strengthening operational partnerships and fostering knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to deepening collaboration with international security networks across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, noting that such alliances are essential to safeguarding borders, protecting national economic interests, and preserving the integrity of the global trading system.
