The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been commended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for its unwavering commitment to border security and its collaborative efforts in disrupting transnational organised crime through intelligence-led operations.
The commendation comes in the wake of a series of successful joint operations that led to the recovery of 65 stolen vehicles originating from Canada. The latest of these recoveries, involving 12 luxury vehicles, was facilitated by the RCMP Liaison Office in Lagos and builds upon earlier recoveries made possible through strong collaboration with the NCS, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Interpol Nigeria.
An official recognition ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, where 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, for his leadership and the pivotal role of the Service in combating cross-border crimes.
In his remarks, Salvaggio praised CGC Adeniyi for his sustained efforts in combating the operations of international crime syndicates. He cited the interception of high-end stolen vehicles and the seizure of over 1,000 parcels of synthetic cannabis, commonly known as ‘loud’, smuggled from Canada into Nigeria through seaports, airports, and unapproved routes.
“Through the support of the Nigeria Customs Service and our collaboration with Nigerian enforcement agencies, we have successfully disrupted key international crime networks and protected the integrity of our borders,” said Salvaggio.
Responding, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Government of Canada and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to global enforcement cooperation.
“This recognition is a testament to the results we can achieve through collaboration. Our partnerships with the RCMP, CBSA, EFCC, NDLEA, and Interpol have led to tangible outcomes that benefit both nations,” the CGC stated.
Adeniyi also proposed formalising the growing cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NCS and CBSA to institutionalise efforts on enforcement, intelligence sharing, and capacity building. He emphasised that with both Nigeria and Canada as active members of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), there is an urgent need for deeper intercontinental engagement to address the global dimension of modern crime.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Liam Price, Director General of International Special Services at RCMP, acknowledged that the partnership with Nigeria Customs has significantly strengthened Canada’s international enforcement efforts and remains essential in dismantling organised criminal networks.
Other Nigerian enforcement heads were also honoured during the event, including the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede; the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), represented by Barr. Shadrac Haruna; and the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Olaolu Adegbite of Interpol Nigeria.
The recognition underscores the growing global reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service as a reliable partner in international border security, while reaffirming the value of inter-agency and cross-border cooperation in tackling illicit trade and transnational crime.