BORDER SECURITY: Technology, Intelligence, Community Support Key to Managing Nigeria’s 4,000km Borders – DC Maiwada
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada has said that although Nigeria shares more than 4,000 kilometres of land borders with neighbouring countries, the Service is adopting intelligence-driven operations, technology and community engagement to effectively secure the nation’s frontiers.
Responding to a question on the practicality of policing such an extensive border network, the Customs spokesperson acknowledged the enormous challenge, noting that Nigeria’s borders cut across diverse terrains and geopolitical zones, each with its own security peculiarities.
He explained that anti-smuggling operations in the North-West differ significantly from those in the North-East or South-West because of the unique characteristics of each region.
According to him, no security agency can claim to possess all the resources required to fully perform its mandate. Instead, success lies in deploying available resources strategically to achieve maximum results.
“We may not have all the personnel or equipment we desire, but what makes an organisation effective is its ability to utilise limited resources efficiently to deliver the best possible outcomes,” he said.
The spokesperson identified intelligence-led operations as the first pillar of the Service’s border management strategy, stressing that it is impossible to maintain a physical presence at every point along the country’s borders.
Maiwada also highlighted the increasing deployment of technology to strengthen border surveillance. According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service has begun geo-locating border locations and is working closely with the Benin Republic Customs Administration to improve information sharing and border monitoring.
He explained that the initiative would enable both countries to better monitor the movement of goods across their shared borders and enhance trade facilitation while curbing smuggling activities.
The Customs spokesperson cited Operation Whirlwind as an example of successful intelligence-led enforcement. Launched to combat the smuggling of petroleum products out of Nigeria, the operation relies on covert intelligence rather than visible checkpoints or marked patrol vehicles.
“You will never see a vehicle branded ‘Operation Whirlwind’ because it is intelligence-driven. The results, however, have been enormous,” he said.
Beyond intelligence and technology, he stressed the importance of continuous training and retraining of Customs officers to equip them with modern enforcement skills.
He also emphasised that effective border security cannot rely solely on enforcement but requires the active cooperation of border communities.
According to him, communities play a critical role by providing credible intelligence and refusing to harbour smugglers. To strengthen this relationship, the Nigeria Customs Service has introduced the Customs Care Initiative, its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, aimed at building trust and fostering closer collaboration with host communities.
“If communities understand that our operations are ultimately for the benefit of Nigerians, they are more likely to support us with the information needed to combat smuggling and other cross-border crimes,” he stated.
He concluded that effective border management requires a balanced combination of enforcement, persuasion, intelligence, technology and strong community partnerships.
One Comment