By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its dedication to protecting borders and tackling international crime through collaborative efforts and data-driven initiatives.
This recognition follows the interception of 65 stolen Canadian vehicles and over 1000 parcels of narcotics through joint operations between the NCS and Canadian law enforcement agencies.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was awarded an Award of Recognition by the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, for his leadership and the NCS’s pivotal role in combating cross-border crimes.
The award ceremony was held at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja, where the Canadian envoy praised the NCS for its sustained contributions to disrupting the operations of international crime syndicates.
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In the citation read at the event, the Canadian envoy praised CGC Adeniyi for his sustained contributions to disrupting the operations of international crime syndicates and highlighted specific cases, including the interception of various exotic vehicles worth millions of dollars, as well as the seizure of several kilograms of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as ‘loud’, smuggled from Canada into Nigeria through multiple ports, airports and other unapproved routes.
“Through the support of the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with Canadian and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, we have disrupted key international crime networks and safeguarded the integrity of our borders,” Salvaggio stated.
In his response, CGC Bashir Adeniyi appreciated the Government of Canada and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in combating illicit trade.
“This recognition reflects the success of our collaborative approach. We value our strong relationships with the RCMP, CBSA, EFCC, NDLEA, and Interpol. Together, we have delivered tangible results that benefit both our countries and global trade,” the CGC remarked.
He also advocated formalising the growing partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Canadian Border Services Agency to institutionalise cooperation on enforcement, intelligence exchange, and training.
Highlighting the global nature of modern crime, CGC Adeniyi emphasised that deeper engagement between Customs administrations across continents is crucial, especially as Nigeria and Canada are active members of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
The RCMP, represented by Mr. Liam Price, Director General of International Special Services, acknowledged that the partnership with Nigeria Customs has significantly strengthened Canada’s international enforcement efforts and remains vital in tackling organised criminal networks.
Also honoured at the event were heads of Nigeria’s key enforcement agencies, including Mr Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the EFCC; Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA (represented by Barr. Shadrac Haruna); and Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Olaolu Adegbite of Interpol Nigeria.
The recognition is a testament to Nigeria Customs Service’s growing reputation as a reliable agency in international border security. It reaffirms the value of sustained inter-agency collaboration in combating illicit trade and transnational crime.
In conclusion, the NCS has expressed its gratitude to the Canadian government and law enforcement agencies for their support and collaboration. The service looks forward to continuing its partnership with international agencies to achieve greater successes in combating illicit trade and transnational crime.
