Nigeria Customs Service Enhances Smuggling Tactics with AI

The Nigeria Customs Service has announced plans to strengthen its enforcement against smuggling and security threats through the use of artificial intelligence, advanced scanners, and electronic cargo tracking systems. Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi made this announcement at the inaugural Customs Police Summit 2026, organized by the Customs Police Unit in Abuja.

He stressed the importance of moving beyond traditional enforcement methods, advocating for technology and inter-agency collaboration to combat sophisticated criminal networks. Adeniyi highlighted the need for customs officers to be accountable and operate within legal frameworks, emphasizing that enforcement must be coordinated with facilitation efforts.

He noted that criminal networks exploit legitimate trade routes for illegal activities, including the trafficking of firearms and narcotics. The Customs chief identified the B’Odogwu digital platform and the INTERPOL Data Centre as crucial tools for enhancing intelligence-led operations within the service.