The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded six major seizures involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing, while four suspects were detained during a joint border security operation with Benin Customs. Code-named “Operation Geocontrol”, the exercise ran from 29 June to 8 July 2026 under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project.
It targeted smuggling along the Nigeria-Benin border using intelligence-led enforcement and geospatial technology. While the Nigeria Customs Service recorded six significant seizure cases across 10 targeted areas, Benin Customs reported 31 seizures. The NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing the operation as a major step towards technology-driven border management.
The exercise marked the first operational deployment of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, completed in February. Customs officers used geospatial analysis, aerial surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordinated field operations to identify smuggling hotspots, map high-risk routes and deploy personnel more effectively.
The approach is designed to strengthen enforcement by using data to pinpoint vulnerable border locations and patterns of illicit movement. According to the NCS, risk mapping and hotspot analysis informed field operations, while intelligence sharing improved coordination between the two countries’ Customs administrations.
The operation also allowed personnel to apply skills acquired through the regional GEOINT training programme to real-world enforcement challenges, highlighting the role of cross-border cooperation in tackling smuggling and protecting public safety, legitimate businesses and government revenue.