The operation with Benin Customs used geospatial intelligence to identify smuggling routes, strengthen surveillance and improve cross border enforcement.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded significant enforcement successes under Operation GEOCONTROL, a joint border security initiative involving the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Benin Customs Administration.
The operation, conducted from June 29 to July 8, 2026, along the Benin Nigeria border corridor, focused on tackling smuggling, identifying high risk routes and strengthening intelligence sharing between the two neighbouring countries.
The initiative marked the first operational deployment of geospatial intelligence capabilities developed under the WCO GEOINT Master Trainer Programme for West Africa, which was completed in February 2026.
Through the deployment, Customs officers applied geospatial analysis, hotspot mapping and aerial surveillance to identify vulnerable border locations and guide enforcement activities. The approach was designed to improve operational planning and ensure that personnel and resources were deployed to areas with higher smuggling risks.
According to the consolidated operational results, the exercise covered 10 targeted areas, with the Benin Customs Administration recording 31 seizures, while the NCS reported six significant seizure cases involving narcotics, pharmaceutical products, rice, petroleum products and used clothing. Four suspects were also detained during the operation.
The seizures highlighted the range of illicit goods moving through vulnerable border routes and the importance of coordinated enforcement in protecting national security, safeguarding government revenue and preventing illegal trade. The operation also demonstrated the value of intelligence sharing in addressing cross border criminal activities.
Beyond the seizures, Operation GEOCONTROL provided an opportunity to apply geospatial intelligence to practical border management challenges. Risk maps and hotspot analyses helped officers identify areas requiring closer surveillance, while the exchange of operational information improved coordination between Nigerian and Beninese Customs personnel.
The initiative also demonstrated the practical benefits of capacity development and technology driven enforcement. By applying skills acquired through the GEOINT Master Trainer Programme, officers were able to integrate geospatial tools into operational decision making and strengthen the intelligence base for field deployments.
The NCS said the operation underscored the importance of sustained international cooperation in combating transnational smuggling. The post operation report, dated August 2, 2026, documented the results and lessons from the joint deployment, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration, professional training and technology based border surveillance.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners and neighbouring Customs administrations to strengthen border security, improve intelligence sharing and facilitate legitimate trade. It said it would continue to leverage technology, professional expertise and collaborative enforcement frameworks to combat smuggling, protect Nigeria’s economic interests and promote a safer trading environment.