Customs to boost border security, combat smuggling with advanced technology

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to enhance border security and combat smuggling using advanced technological devices, according to Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs for the Southwest Zone, Saidu Yusuf.

Yusuf made the announcement during an appraisal visit to the Ogun Area II Command in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday.

He stated the NCS’s commitment to deploying technology to improve border control and patrol operations, noting that the service, under Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, has been focused on automating operations across all sectors, including border stations and seaports.

As part of this modernization effort, the NCS recently acquired an aircraft to assist with border patrols.

“We are all aware that the borders are porous, and the only way we can monitor those borders is by using modern technology,” Yusuf said.

He also pointed out the need for ongoing training and retraining of customs officers to effectively use these new technologies.

Yusuf also praised the Ogun Area II Command for its outstanding revenue performance, having generated over N20 billion for the Federal Government between January and August 2024, a significant increase from the N14 billion collected during the same period in 2023. He attributed this success to the leadership of Comptroller Olusola Alade.

The NCS has also strengthened its intelligence-sharing efforts with other security agencies to prevent the smuggling of illicit arms, ammunition, and drugs into Nigeria.

In his address, Comptroller Alade thanked Yusuf for his commendation and requested additional support, including more accommodation for officers and better-equipped medical facilities at the command’s clinic.