Nigeria Customs Joins INTERPOL Global Intelligence Grid
Nigeria Customs Joins INTERPOL Global Intelligence Grid
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has boosted its border security and intelligence operations by deploying an INTERPOL Data Centre at its headquarters in Abuja. This gives officers direct access to one of the world’s largest criminal intelligence networks.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the development as a milestone in the Service’s technology-driven transformation and intelligence-led enforcement strategy. He noted that enforcement has moved beyond conventional compliance, with technology now central to tackling transnational crime. A forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INTERPOL is expected to deepen cooperation further.
Adeniyi also highlighted the Service’s indigenous B’Odogwu platform, an innovative digital solution designed to support trade facilitation in Nigeria and across African Customs administrations.
INTERPOL Consultant Chikwe Udensi explained that the facility is the eighth INTERPOL Data Centre in Africa, providing Customs officers with access to more than 152 global criminal databases covering stolen vehicles, vessels, cargo, parcels, and other transported assets. This enables real-time verification of goods and transport assets, strengthening investigations, border security, and revenue generation.
Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi, in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, confirmed that officers have been trained to operate the system, which is fully integrated into the Service’s ICT infrastructure. He added that the platform enhances cargo profiling, valuation, and risk assessment by providing accurate information on the description and origin of goods.
Nigeria Customs is positioning itself as a leader in modern border security across Africa, combining global intelligence access with local innovation to strengthen enforcement and trade facilitation.
