By Joy Onu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its border security and intelligence-gathering capabilities with the deployment of an INTERPOL Data Centre at its headquarters in Abuja, giving officers direct access to a global criminal intelligence network to combat transnational crime.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, who said the facility was demonstrated at the Customs headquarters as part of efforts to modernise the Service’s enforcement architecture through technology.
According to the statement, the data centre will enable Customs officers to conduct real-time checks against international criminal databases, improving investigations, cargo screening and intelligence-led border operations.
Speaking during the demonstration, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the deployment represents another milestone in the Service’s ongoing digital transformation and its drive to strengthen national security through technology.
He said customs enforcement has evolved beyond conventional compliance, noting that digital intelligence has become indispensable in tackling cross-border criminal activities and other emerging security threats.
Adeniyi also said that the Service is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with INTERPOL to deepen collaboration and expand intelligence-sharing between both organisations.
The Comptroller-General further highlighted the Service’s indigenous B’Odogwu digital platform, describing it as an innovative solution capable of facilitating trade in Nigeria while supporting Customs administrations across Africa.
Providing further insight into the initiative, INTERPOL Consultant, Chikwe Udensi, said the Abuja facility is the eighth INTERPOL Data Centre established on the African continent.
Udensi said that the platform gives Customs officers access to more than 152 international criminal databases containing records of stolen vehicles, vessels, cargo, parcels and other transported assets, allowing them to instantly verify whether goods or transport assets have been reported stolen anywhere in the world.
He said the capability would strengthen border security, enhance criminal investigations and support revenue generation through access to real-time intelligence.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, said officers have already been trained to operate the platform, which has been fully integrated into the Service’s ICT infrastructure.
Bomodi said the system would also improve cargo profiling, valuation and risk assessment by providing accurate information on the description and origin of goods, thereby enhancing Customs enforcement, border security and trade monitoring.
