The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to international security cooperation as Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, participated in the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The event, held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, brought together more than 1,400 companies and key players in defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security.
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 stressed the need for stronger global collaboration to tackle evolving security threats. The session, organised under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit 2026, featured security leaders from 14 countries across Asia and the Pacific.
He noted that the changing nature of crime—ranging from narcotics trafficking and wildlife crime to financial fraud and terrorism financing—demands a shift from isolated enforcement strategies to coordinated international responses.
“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.
Drawing from the NCS experience, Adeniyi outlined a three-pronged strategy centred on technology adoption, institutional collaboration, and continuous capacity building. He emphasised the importance of equipping officers with modern tools and skills to respond to emerging criminal patterns.
The Customs boss also referenced frameworks by the World Customs Organization, describing them as vital instruments for combating cross-border crime. He warned that criminal activities originating in one region often have far-reaching global consequences, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
Participants at the dialogue identified common operational challenges, including limited manpower, outdated equipment, and the growing sophistication of technology-driven crime. There was broad agreement on the need for enhanced intelligence sharing and stronger cooperation among governments, international organisations, and private security actors.
Stakeholders further called for deeper community engagement and closer collaboration with global bodies such as INTERPOL to strengthen trust and ensure seamless cross-border enforcement.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific and the Americas to deepen operational ties and exchange best practices.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to expanding partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, noting that sustained collaboration remains essential to safeguarding borders, protecting national economic interests, and preserving the integrity of global trade.
