By Harriet Tornguvan
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to global security collaboration, as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, participated in the 19th Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2026 held in Kuala Lumpur.
The high-profile event, which took place on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, attracted over 1,400 companies and key stakeholders in defence technology, electronic warfare, and homeland security. It was officially declared open by Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking as a Special Guest at the Police–Private Security Dialogue on Cross-Border Crime and Transnational Networks, Adeniyi called for a decisive shift from isolated national responses to coordinated global action in tackling emerging security threats.
He stressed that the evolving nature of crime—spanning narcotics trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud, and terrorism financing—has become increasingly interconnected across borders, demanding a unified international approach.
“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.
The dialogue, convened under the Asia Pacific Security Association Malaysia International Security Summit 2026, brought together security leaders from 14 countries across Asia and the Pacific, who collectively examined strategies for addressing transnational criminal networks.
Drawing from the NCS experience, Adeniyi outlined a three-pronged strategy anchored on technology adoption, institutional collaboration, and capacity building. He emphasised the need for advanced tools and skilled personnel to effectively respond to emerging crime patterns.
“We must invest in technology, strengthen partnerships, and continuously build the capacity of our officers to stay ahead of criminal networks that are constantly evolving,” he added.
He further highlighted the relevance of frameworks developed by the World Customs Organization, noting that such instruments provide essential guidance for member nations in combating cross-border crimes with global implications.
Participants at the summit identified key challenges confronting enforcement agencies, including manpower shortages, obsolete equipment, and the rapid rise of technology-driven crime. There was broad agreement that criminal networks are becoming more coordinated, thereby necessitating stronger collaboration among governments, international organisations, and private security actors.
Stakeholders also advocated enhanced intelligence sharing, deeper community engagement, and sustained partnerships with global policing bodies such as INTERPOL to strengthen cross-border enforcement mechanisms.
On the sidelines of the conference, Adeniyi held bilateral meetings with customs administrations from the Asia-Pacific and the Americas, aimed at deepening operational cooperation and promoting knowledge exchange.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to expanding partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, stressing that such collaboration remains vital to securing national borders, safeguarding economic interests, and maintaining the integrity of the global trading system.
