from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
Nigeria Bureau
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for increased investment in modern technologies such as drones and biometric systems to curb the smuggling of arms across the country’s borders.
The service said recent interceptions at seaports and airports had underscored the importance of modern inspection technology, intelligence gathering, effective risk profiling and strategic collaboration in combating illicit arms trafficking.
NCS Comptroller of Special Duties, Haniel Hadison, made the remarks during the recently concluded Leadership Course on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), organised by the Defence Intelligence College in Abuja.
“Government should continue investing in modern border surveillance systems, non-intrusive inspection technology, drones, biometric border management and the capacity development of officers to improve operational effectiveness,” he said.
Hadison identified inadequate surveillance technology, a shortage of trained personnel and insufficient operational logistics as some of the major challenges to effective border management.
Nigeria has in recent years intensified efforts to establish a digital ecosystem at its ports to improve efficiency and curb smuggling.
Among the initiatives is the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, introduced to enhance cargo monitoring, strengthen revenue assurance and facilitate seamless trade through technology-driven customs operations.
The system provides real-time monitoring of cargo from departure to destination using GPS technology, enabling the NCS to detect route deviations, seal tampering and unauthorised stops instantly.
Hadison said similar investments should now be directed towards modernising the country’s land border infrastructure.
He added that the NCS had remained at the forefront of efforts to disrupt illicit arms trafficking through intelligence-led enforcement, strategic interceptions and close collaboration with relevant security agencies.
“Effective border security cannot be achieved by the NCS alone. It requires sustained cooperation among all relevant stakeholders, strengthened intelligence sharing, active engagement with border communities and closer collaboration with neighbouring countries,” Hadison said.
Nigeria shares land borders with Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, making effective cross-border cooperation critical to combating the illicit movement of arms and other contraband.
– CAJ News