Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to stronger collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to combat drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this announcement during a meeting with a UNODC delegation led by Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, at Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi emphasized the critical role of Customs in addressing drug-related crimes, highlighting their threat to national security and the growing problem of drug abuse, particularly among youth.
“There are no bandits or terrorists who operate without drugs. Nigeria is no longer just a transit point for illicit substances—many criminals within the country are actively using them. Drug abuse among youths has also become a serious concern, with some even portraying it as fashionable,” he stated.
Adeniyi explained that with the National Security Adviser’s approval, the NCS has intensified efforts to immediately destroy confiscated drugs, preventing their re-entry into circulation. He noted the destruction of over 71 containers of illicit substances and stressed the importance of intelligence sharing, citing UNODC’s global network.
Adeniyi also expressed interest in models like the US Container Security Initiative and raised concerns about the environmental impact of burning seized drugs, calling for the adoption of incineration technology for safer disposal.
Toure commended the NCS for its anti-drug trafficking efforts and pledged continued UNODC support, recognizing Customs officers as highly trained professionals in Africa.
He emphasized the need to move beyond training to intelligence-driven interventions at ports and airports and highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in combating transnational organised crime.
