The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to international security cooperation as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, participated in the 19th edition of the Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2026 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The high-level event, hosted at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, convened more than 1,400 companies and key stakeholders across defence technology, homeland security, and electronic warfare. It was officially declared open by Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking as a Special Guest at the Police–Private Security Dialogue on Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Networks, Adeniyi called for a fundamental shift in how global security challenges are addressed. The session, part of the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit 2026, brought 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 and interconnected, with activities such as drug trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud, and terrorism financing often overlapping across regions. According to him, enforcement strategies must evolve through intelligence sharing, joint operations, and integrated responses.
Drawing from the NCS experience, the CGC outlined a three-pillar strategy centred on technology adoption, institutional collaboration, and continuous capacity building. He stressed that modern border management depends on advanced tools and highly skilled personnel capable of tackling 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 added.
Adeniyi also highlighted the role of the World Customs Organization frameworks in guiding member states on tackling cross-border crimes, noting that criminal trends in one region often have far-reaching global implications.
Participants at the dialogue identified shared challenges confronting enforcement agencies, including manpower shortages, outdated tools, and the rapid growth of technology-driven crime. There was broad consensus on the need for deeper collaboration among governments, private security operators, and global institutions such as INTERPOL.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas, aimed at strengthening operational partnerships and enhancing knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to expanding its cooperation with international security networks across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, stressing that such partnerships remain vital for securing borders, safeguarding national economic interests, and preserving the integrity of the global trading system.
