By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger international cooperation in tackling evolving security threats, stressing the need for coordinated global action against transnational criminal networks.
Adeniyi made the call while participating in the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where global stakeholders in defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security converged at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The conference, declared open by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, brought together more than 1,400 companies and security stakeholders from across the world.
Speaking as a Special Guest at the Police–Private Security Dialogue on Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Networks, organised under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit (AMISST) 2026, Adeniyi warned that modern criminal networks have become increasingly borderless and sophisticated.
He stressed that enforcement agencies must shift from isolated responses to coordinated international action, noting that collaboration is now the foundation of effective security operations.
According to him, crimes such as drug trafficking, wildlife offences, financial fraud, and terrorism financing are now interconnected and require intelligence sharing, joint operations, and harmonised enforcement strategies.
Drawing from the operational experience of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adeniyi outlined a three-pillar strategy anchored on technology adoption, institutional cooperation, and capacity building. He emphasised the need for continuous investment in modern tools and skilled personnel to match the evolving tactics of criminal networks.
He also referenced global frameworks provided by the World Customs Organisation, noting that they remain essential in guiding member states in addressing cross-border crime.
Participants at the dialogue identified key challenges confronting enforcement agencies, including limited manpower, outdated equipment, and rapidly advancing technology-enabled crime. They agreed that criminal networks are becoming more coordinated, necessitating deeper collaboration among governments, international organisations, and private security actors.
Stakeholders further called for enhanced intelligence sharing, stronger community engagement, and closer cooperation with global bodies such as INTERPOL to improve cross-border security responses.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific and the Americas to deepen operational partnerships and promote knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthening international collaboration across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, noting that such alliances are critical to securing borders, protecting national economies, and ensuring the integrity of global trade systems.
