RCMP Commends Nigeria Customs for Strengthening Border Security, Anti-Smuggling Cooperation
Kathy Kyari
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) International Special Services has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its efforts in enhancing border security and combating transnational organised crime through strategic partnerships and intelligence-led operations.
The commendation came on the heels of a major recovery operation involving the interception of 12 luxury vehicles by the RCMP Liaison Office in Lagos. These vehicles were part of a broader crackdown that has now seen a total of 65 stolen Canadian vehicles recovered in Nigeria.
The success of these operations was attributed to robust collaboration among the NCS, RCMP, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Interpol Nigeria.
The formal commendation was delivered during an official event held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. At the event, the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, presented an Award of Recognition to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in acknowledgment of his leadership and the crucial role played by the NCS in combating cross-border crimes.
In his citation, Salvaggio praised Adeniyi for his consistent contributions to dismantling international criminal syndicates and cited significant achievements, such as the interception of exotic vehicles valued in millions of dollars and the seizure of multiple kilograms of synthetic cannabis, commonly known as ‘loud’, smuggled into Nigeria via various ports, airports, and unauthorized routes.
“Through the support of the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Canadian and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, we have disrupted key international crime networks and safeguarded the integrity of our borders,” the Canadian envoy stated.
Responding to the recognition, Comptroller-General Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the Government of Canada and reiterated the NCS’s commitment to bolstering international cooperation against illicit trade.
“This recognition reflects the success of our collaborative approach. We value our strong relationships with the RCMP, CBSA, EFCC, NDLEA, and Interpol. Together, we have delivered tangible results that benefit both our countries and global trade,” Adeniyi remarked.
He further advocated for the formalisation of the growing cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Canadian Border Services Agency. He noted that such a framework would institutionalise enforcement collaboration, intelligence sharing, and training efforts.
Emphasising the transnational nature of modern crime, the CGC highlighted the importance of enhanced engagement between Customs administrations across continents, particularly as both Nigeria and Canada are active members of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
Mr. Liam Price, Director General of International Special Services at the RCMP, also acknowledged the importance of the partnership with Nigeria Customs. He stated that the collaboration had significantly reinforced Canada’s international enforcement efforts and remains critical in the fight against organised criminal networks.
Also recognised at the event were leaders of Nigeria’s top enforcement agencies, including Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the EFCC; Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA (represented by Barr. Shadrac Haruna); and Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Olaolu Adegbite of Interpol Nigeria.
The recognition underscored the growing international credibility of the Nigeria Customs Service as a dependable force in global border security. It also reaffirmed the importance of sustained inter-agency cooperation in tackling illicit trade and transnational crime.
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