The Nigeria Customs Service has deployed an INTERPOL Data center at its Headquarters in Abuja to strengthen its border security and intelligence capabilities.
This gives officers access to one of the world’s largest criminal intelligence networks.
The Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, announced the development during a demonstration of the facility, describing it as a major milestone in the Service’s technology-driven transformation and intelligence-led enforcement strategy.
According to Adeniyi, Customs enforcement has evolved beyond conventional compliance, with technology now playing a central role in combating transnational crime.
He explained that the planned signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with INTERPOL would further deepen cooperation between both organisations.
The Comptroller-General of Customs also highlighted the Service’s indigenous B’Odogwu platform, describing it as an innovative digital solution that can support trade facilitation in Nigeria and across other African Customs administrations.
INTERPOL Consultant , Chikwe Udensi said the facility is the eighth INTERPOL Data Centre in Africa and provides Customs officers with access to more than 152 global criminal databases covering stolen vehicles, vessels, cargo, parcels, and other transported assets.
“The platform enables officers to instantly verify whether goods or transport assets have been reported stolen anywhere in the world, strengthening investigations, border security and revenue generation through real-time intelligence.” Udensi said.
For his part, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in-charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi said officers have been trained to operate the system, which has been fully integrated into the Service’s ICT infrastructure.
The platform enhances cargo profiling, valuation and risk assessment by providing accurate information on the description and origin of goods.
