By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to global security cooperation as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, participated in the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2026) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The high-level event, held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), brought together over 1,400 companies and key stakeholders in defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security. It was officially declared open by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim.
Adeniyi, speaking as a special guest at the Police–Private Security Dialogue on Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Networks under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit (AMISST) 2026, called for stronger coordinated global action against evolving security threats.
He stressed that modern crime has become transnational in nature, requiring enforcement agencies to move away from isolated responses toward collective intelligence sharing and joint operations.
“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,” he said.
He noted that criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, wildlife crimes, financial fraud, and terrorism financing are increasingly interconnected, making collaboration between countries and agencies more urgent than ever.
The Customs chief outlined a three-pillar strategy for effective enforcement, focusing on technology adoption, institutional collaboration, and capacity building. He emphasized the need for continuous investment in modern tools and personnel development to counter emerging threats.
“We must invest in technology, strengthen partnerships, and continuously build the capacity of our officers to stay ahead of evolving criminal networks,” he added.
Adeniyi also referenced frameworks of the World Customs Organization (WCO), noting their importance in guiding member states in combating cross-border crime.
Participants at the dialogue highlighted common challenges facing security agencies, including limited manpower, outdated systems, and the rapid rise of technology-driven crime. They agreed that stronger collaboration among governments, international bodies, and private security stakeholders is essential.
There was also a consensus on the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, deeper community engagement, and strengthened partnerships with global organisations such as INTERPOL.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from Asia-Pacific and the Americas to strengthen operational cooperation and knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to expanding international partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, stressing that such collaborations are critical to securing borders, safeguarding national economies, and ensuring the integrity of global trade.
