By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Tuesday 20,October, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded six significant seizure cases involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing during a joint border security operation with the Benin Customs Administration under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)–Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project.
The operation, code-named Operation GEOCONTROL, was conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, along the Benin–Nigeria border corridor, bringing together the two countries’ Customs administrations to combat smuggling, strengthen border security and improve intelligence-led enforcement.
The NCS disclosed this in a press release issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by its National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia.
According to the Service, the operation recorded consolidated results across 10 targeted areas, with the Benin Customs Administration reporting 31 seizures, while the Nigerian side recorded six significant seizure cases. Four suspects were also detained during the operation.
The Service said the outcomes highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation and intelligence-driven enforcement in tackling illicit trade and activities that threaten national security, legitimate commerce and government revenue.
Operation GEOCONTROL was implemented under the WCO–JICA Joint Project, with the WCO coordinating the exercise and JICA providing support. It also marked the first operational deployment of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, which was completed in February 2026.
The initiative was designed to demonstrate how geospatial intelligence could be applied to identify smuggling hotspots, map high-risk routes, improve intelligence sharing and support coordinated Customs enforcement along the border corridor.
To achieve these objectives, the operation combined geospatial analysis, hotspot mapping, aerial surveillance, intelligence exchange and coordinated field deployment to improve operational planning and decision-making.
The NCS explained that the use of geospatial intelligence provided practical benefits beyond the seizures recorded, particularly in identifying vulnerable border locations, analysing high-risk movement patterns and directing operational resources to areas requiring closer attention.
It added that multiple risk maps and hotspot analyses supported intelligence-driven field activities, while the exchange of operational information strengthened coordination between the Nigerian and Beninese Customs administrations.
The operation also provided an opportunity to apply the skills acquired through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme to real-world enforcement challenges, demonstrating the potential of technology-driven approaches in tackling transnational smuggling.
The Service noted that the successful implementation of Operation GEOCONTROL underscored the importance of sustained international cooperation, capacity development and technological innovation in border management.
It said the collaboration among the WCO, JICA, the NCS and the Benin Customs Administration demonstrated how shared intelligence, geospatial tools and coordinated operational planning could improve enforcement outcomes across common borders.
The post-operation report, dated August 2, 2026, documented the results achieved and the operational lessons drawn from the joint deployment.
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening border security, the NCS said it would continue to deepen cooperation with international partners and neighbouring Customs administrations to improve intelligence sharing and promote legitimate trade.
The Service added that it would continue to leverage relevant technological capabilities, professional expertise and collaborative enforcement frameworks to combat smuggling, protect national interests and contribute to a safer and more efficient trading environment.
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