Customs Police Unit Must Uphold Integrity, Accountability in Service Operations – Adeniyi
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has charged officers and men of the Customs Police Unit (CPU) to uphold integrity, discipline, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Adeniyi gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Customs Police Summit 2026, held at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja.
He emphasised that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) must demonstrate integrity within its ranks before demanding compliance and ethical conduct from traders and members of the public.
The Customs boss, who also chairs the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, said the Customs Police Unit plays a critical role in maintaining discipline, investigating erring personnel, preventing crime and ensuring compliance with established regulations.
He recalled that the CPU was inaugurated in July 2019 with a mandate to investigate misconduct among personnel and strengthen internal accountability, stressing that no officer should be considered above the law.
According to him, the growing sophistication of criminal networks, which exploit legitimate trade routes to move firearms components, narcotics, counterfeit medicines, protected wildlife and illicit funds, requires smarter and more coordinated enforcement strategies.
Adeniyi noted that the Service must balance trade facilitation with effective enforcement, adding that the exercise of police powers under the NCS Act 2023 must always be guided by the law and respect for human rights.
He identified data-driven operations, intelligence sharing and modern technology as essential tools for addressing emerging security challenges.
He highlighted the B’Odogwu platform and the INTERPOL Data Centre at Customs Headquarters as important resources for improving risk management, intelligence gathering and investigations.
The Comptroller-General outlined three major pillars for strengthening the Customs Police Unit: Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation.
He explained that consolidation would involve establishing clear operational procedures, improving investigation standards and strengthening professional development.
On collaboration, he called for stronger partnerships with the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, NDLEA, NAFDAC, DSS, ICPC, NAQS, neighbouring countries and border communities.
He also advocated the adoption of artificial intelligence, advanced scanners, geospatial tools and electronic cargo tracking to improve investigations, while insisting that technology must operate within established legal and accountability frameworks.
Adeniyi urged participants at the summit to develop a Customs Police doctrine, establish effective protocols for joint operations and evidence management, provide responsible guidelines for using artificial intelligence in investigations, and recommend improved training, welfare and recognition for CPU personnel.
Addressing officers of the Unit, he reminded them that the Red Beret represents the trust of Nigerians and the reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service.
He urged them to wear it with discipline, restraint and pride, emphasising that integrity remains their greatest badge of honour.
The Comptroller-General subsequently declared the inaugural Customs Police Summit 2026 open.
