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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, as authorities step up efforts to disrupt smuggling networks along the Nigeria-Benin border.
The operation, code-named Operation GEOCONTROL, also led to the detention of four suspects, while Benin Customs recorded 31 seizures across 10 targeted areas covered by the exercise.
The NCS disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday by its Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, explaining that the operation was conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project.
The exercise brought together the customs administrations of Nigeria and Benin to strengthen border security, improve intelligence sharing and tackle illicit trade through coordinated, technology-driven enforcement.
The Service said the operation marked the first field deployment of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, which was completed in February 2026.
Geospatial intelligence uses location-based information, maps, imagery and other geographical data to identify patterns and support operational decisions. In border security, it can help authorities identify vulnerable crossing points, trace high-risk routes and direct enforcement teams to areas where smuggling is more likely to occur.
According to the NCS, Operation GEOCONTROL was designed to demonstrate how the technology could be applied to identify smuggling hotspots, map high-risk routes, strengthen intelligence exchange and improve coordination between customs officers operating on both sides of the border.
The operation combined geospatial analysis, hotspot mapping, aerial surveillance, intelligence sharing and coordinated field deployment to improve the ability of both countries to detect and respond to illicit cross-border activities.
The Service said the use of multiple risk maps and hotspot analyses helped guide field activities by identifying vulnerable locations and highlighting areas requiring closer monitoring.
Rather than relying solely on routine patrols and physical inspections, the approach enabled officers to use intelligence to determine where enforcement resources could be deployed for greater impact.
The exchange of operational information between the two customs administrations also strengthened coordination and supported joint responses to smuggling threats along the shared border corridor.
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The six significant seizure cases recorded by the NCS covered different categories of goods, including narcotics, pharmaceutical products, rice, petroleum products and used clothing. Four suspects were detained during the exercise.
Although the Service did not disclose the quantities or monetary value of the seized goods, the range of items involved highlights the different forms of illicit trade confronting border authorities.
Smuggling undermines lawful businesses by exposing them to unfair competition from illegally imported or traded goods. It can also deprive the government of revenue, weaken regulatory controls and create security risks, particularly where illicit networks are involved in the movement of prohibited substances and other restricted goods.
The NCS said the results demonstrated the importance of cross-border cooperation and intelligence-led enforcement in addressing activities that threaten national security, legitimate commerce and government revenue.
Beyond the seizures, the operation provided an opportunity to test the practical value of GEOINT capabilities developed under the regional training programme.
The initiative was intended to move geospatial intelligence beyond classroom training and apply it to actual enforcement challenges, enabling officers to translate technical knowledge into operational results.
The Service said the successful deployment also highlighted the importance of sustained international cooperation, professional training and technology adoption in modern border management.
The partnership between the WCO, JICA, the NCS and Benin Customs demonstrated how shared intelligence, geospatial tools and coordinated operational planning could strengthen enforcement across common borders.
The post-operation report, dated August 2, 2026, documented the results achieved and the operational lessons from the joint exercise.
The NCS said it would continue to deepen cooperation with international partners and neighbouring customs administrations to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate trade.
It added that it would leverage relevant technology, professional expertise and collaborative enforcement arrangements to combat smuggling, protect Nigeria’s national interests and support a safer and more efficient trading environment.
