CUSTOMS TO DEPLOY AI, SCANNERS AGAINST SMUGGLING

The Nigeria Customs Service plans to expand its use of artificial intelligence, advanced scanners and electronic cargo tracking to tackle smuggling and strengthen internal accountability.

Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi announced the plans at the inaugural Customs Police Summit in Abuja on Thursday.

He said criminal networks were exploiting legitimate trade routes to move weapons components, narcotics, counterfeit medicines, protected wildlife and illicit funds, making intelligence-led enforcement increasingly important.

Adeniyi identified the B’Odogwu digital platform and the INTERPOL Data Centre at Customs headquarters as tools supporting more effective risk assessment and investigations.

However, he stressed that technology must operate alongside human oversight, data protection and lawful procedures.

“Algorithms may flag risks, but only officers acting within the law can exercise enforcement powers,” he said.

The Customs chief also called for a review of traditional container-monitoring duties, saying modern tracking systems could improve efficiency.

On internal discipline, Adeniyi said officers must meet the integrity standards they expect from traders and the public. Every search, arrest and detention, he added, must have a lawful basis and withstand scrutiny.

He outlined three priorities for strengthening the Customs Police Unit: clearer operational procedures, closer cooperation with other agencies and greater use of innovation.

These would include improved investigation records, continuous training and intelligence sharing with security, anti-corruption and regulatory bodies.

Adeniyi urged participants to develop a professional framework that supports legitimate trade while targeting criminal activity and misconduct within the service.