Customs Seizes Drugs, Rice, Fuel in Joint Nigeria-Benin Border Operation
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded six major seizure cases involving narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing during a joint border security operation with Benin Customs, resulting in the detention of four suspects.
The operation, code-named Operation GEOCONTROL, was conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, along the Benin-Nigeria border corridor under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the NCS said the operation strengthened intelligence-led enforcement through the deployment of geospatial intelligence, aerial surveillance, risk mapping and coordinated field activities.
The exercise brought together the Nigeria Customs Service and the Benin Directorate General of Customs under WCO coordination, with support from JICA.
According to the Service, the consolidated results of the operation covered 10 targeted areas, with Benin Customs reporting 31 seizures, while the Nigerian side recorded six significant seizure cases. Four suspects were also detained during the exercise.
The NCS explained that Operation GEOCONTROL marked the first operational deployment of geospatial intelligence capabilities developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, which was completed in February 2026.
The initiative was designed to apply geospatial intelligence in identifying smuggling hotspots, mapping high-risk routes, improving intelligence sharing and supporting coordinated enforcement across the shared border.
Read Also:
The Service said the operation combined geospatial analysis, hotspot mapping, aerial surveillance, intelligence exchange and coordinated field deployment to improve operational planning and decision-making.
It added that the use of risk maps and hotspot analyses helped enforcement teams identify vulnerable border locations, assess high-risk movement patterns and deploy personnel and other operational resources to priority areas.
The exercise also provided an opportunity to apply skills acquired through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme to practical border security challenges.
The NCS noted that the exchange of operational information between the two Customs administrations enhanced coordination and demonstrated the value of technology-driven enforcement in tackling transnational smuggling.
It said the seizures underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating illicit trade and activities that threaten national security, undermine legitimate commerce and deprive governments of revenue.
The post-operation report, dated August 2, 2026, documented the results and operational lessons from the joint deployment.
The Service said the collaboration among the WCO, JICA, Nigeria Customs and Benin Customs demonstrated how shared intelligence, geospatial technology and coordinated operational planning could strengthen enforcement along common borders.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with international partners and neighbouring Customs administrations to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate trade.
It added that it would continue to deploy relevant technological capabilities, professional expertise and collaborative enforcement frameworks to combat smuggling, protect national interests and promote a safer and more efficient trading environment.
The statement was signed by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnipr, mniia, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
