Customs seizures: SEREC warns of criminal networks ahead 2027

By Joy Enamuma

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre has raised the alarm over the increasing use of Nigeria’s ports, borders and trade corridors by criminal networks, saying recent seizures of arms, ammunition, narcotics and other prohibited consignments should be treated as a national security concern.

The research organisation, in a statement signed by its Head of Research, Fwdr Eugene Nweke, on Sunday, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for what it described as sustained intelligence-driven enforcement operations.

SEREC said the frequency of the interceptions suggested that transnational criminal groups, arms traffickers, drug networks and other organised criminal elements were persistently testing Nigeria’s borders and legitimate trade channels for possible entry and supply routes.

The organisation argued that a seized container or intercepted weapon should no longer be viewed merely as a Customs enforcement success, stressing that such operations could prevent dangerous materials from reaching criminal, terrorist or violent extremist groups.

It urged the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, border surveillance and cooperation among security and regulatory agencies, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. SEREC warned that increased political activities could create opportunities for illicit arms movement, criminal financing and other security threats.

The group also called for greater investment in Customs intelligence systems, cargo risk profiling, non-intrusive inspection equipment, data analysis, maritime and land-border surveillance, personnel training and real-time information sharing among relevant agencies.

SEREC further urged the government to bring freight forwarders, Customs brokers, bonded terminal operators and other legitimate participants in the supply chain into the country’s security framework. It said the stakeholders could help identify suspicious cargo and activities but warned that those who knowingly facilitate illegal trade should face appropriate sanctions.

The organisation said Nigeria must move beyond a reactive approach to border security, insisting that ports and trade routes should remain channels for legitimate commerce rather than conduits for terrorism, banditry, organised crime, illicit arms and narcotics. It called for stronger government backing for Customs and other agencies, saying the time to reinforce the country’s borders was before criminal threats translated into major security incidents.