The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has recorded six major seizure cases and detained four suspects during a joint border security operation with Benin Customs, targeting smuggling along the Benin-Nigeria corridor.
The operation, known as Operation GEOCONTROL, was conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, under the World Customs Organisation (WCO)-Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Joint Project.
The seizures involved narcotics, pharmaceuticals, rice, petroleum products and used clothing, according to the consolidated operational report. The Benin Customs Administration separately reported 31 seizures across the 10 targeted areas covered by the operation.
The exercise focused on using geospatial intelligence to identify smuggling hotspots, map high-risk routes, improve intelligence sharing and coordinate enforcement activities across the shared border.
It marked the first operational deployment of geospatial intelligence capabilities developed through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, which was completed in February 2026.
The operation combined geospatial analysis, hotspot mapping, aerial surveillance, intelligence exchange and coordinated field deployments to identify vulnerable border locations and direct enforcement resources towards priority areas.
The use of risk maps and hotspot analyses also supported field activities, while the exchange of operational information improved coordination between the Nigerian and Beninese Customs administrations.
The post-operation report, dated August 2, 2026, documented the seizures and operational lessons from the joint deployment.
The exercise highlights the role of cross-border intelligence sharing and technology in tackling transnational smuggling, which threatens national security, legitimate trade and government revenue.
The Nigeria Customs Service said it would continue working with international partners and neighbouring Customs administrations to strengthen border security, improve intelligence sharing and promote legitimate trade through technology-driven enforcement.