Security
Nigeria Customs Deploys INTERPOL Data Centre to Strengthen Border Security, Fight Cross-Border Crime
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its ability to tackle cross-border crime after deploying an INTERPOL Data Centre at its headquarters in Abuja, giving officers direct access to one of the world’s largest criminal intelligence networks.
The new facility is expected to improve the detection of stolen vehicles, cargo, vessels and other transported assets while helping Customs officers make faster intelligence-based decisions at Nigeria’s borders.
Why it matters
As transnational crimes such as smuggling, trafficking and organised criminal activities become increasingly sophisticated, Customs agencies worldwide are relying more on technology and intelligence sharing than traditional border inspections.
For Nigeria, which serves as a major trade hub in West Africa, faster access to global criminal intelligence could improve border security, facilitate legitimate trade and protect government revenue.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the development as another milestone in the agency’s technology-driven transformation.
Speaking during a demonstration of the new facility, Adeniyi said Customs enforcement has evolved beyond conventional compliance, with technology now playing a central role in combating transnational crime.
He added that the planned signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INTERPOL would further strengthen cooperation between both organisations.
Adeniyi also highlighted the Service’s indigenous B’Odogwu digital platform, describing it as an innovative solution capable of supporting trade facilitation not only in Nigeria but across Customs administrations in Africa.
Access to more than 152 global criminal databases
INTERPOL Consultant, Chikwe Udensi, said the Abuja facility is the eighth INTERPOL Data Centre established in Africa.
According to him, the platform gives Customs officers access to more than 152 international criminal databases containing information on stolen vehicles, vessels, cargo, parcels and other transported assets.
Udensi said officers can now instantly determine whether goods or transport assets have been reported stolen anywhere in the world.
He said the technology would strengthen criminal investigations, improve border security and enhance revenue generation through real-time intelligence.
Customs officers already trained
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, said officers have already received training to operate the system.
Bomodi added that the INTERPOL platform has been fully integrated into the Nigeria Customs Service’s ICT infrastructure.
According to him, the technology also improves cargo profiling, customs valuation and risk assessment by providing more accurate information on the description and origin of imported goods.
Expert perspective
Security analysts have consistently argued that intelligence sharing among border agencies is becoming increasingly important as criminal networks operate across multiple countries.
Experts say linking Customs operations with international intelligence databases can improve the interception of stolen assets, reduce fraudulent imports and support more effective law enforcement cooperation.
Industry perspective
Trade and logistics stakeholders are likely to welcome the deployment, as more accurate cargo profiling and faster verification systems could reduce delays for legitimate traders while allowing Customs to focus enforcement efforts on high-risk shipments.
However, analysts note that the long-term success of the initiative will depend on continuous officer training, reliable digital infrastructure and sustained cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
What’s next?
The Nigeria Customs Service plans to formalise its partnership with INTERPOL through a Memorandum of Understanding, a move expected to expand intelligence sharing and strengthen joint efforts against transnational crime.
The Service is also expected to continue expanding the use of digital technologies such as the B’Odogwu platform as part of its broader customs modernisation programme.
Security
Gateway Polytechnic Students Set to Tackle Campus Safety, Leadership at SWAT 1.0 Conference
Students at Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, are set to discuss campus security, welfare, academic development and leadership at a student-led conference aimed at preparing young people for life beyond the classroom.
The SWAT 1.0 Students’ Conference, organised by the institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG), is scheduled for Friday, 9 October 2026, at the Leadership Auditorium.
The conference is themed “Preparing Students for a Purposeful Future While Navigating Campus with Excellence.”
The Ogun State Police Command has endorsed the initiative, particularly its focus on security awareness and constructive engagement between students and law enforcement.
Also Read: Nigeria’s School Basketball Pipeline Gets Global Boost as Nestlé Partners NBA
Why the conference matters
Unlike programmes focused solely on academic performance, the SWAT conference brings together five areas of student development — Security, Welfare, Academics, Training and Seminar.
Organisers say the objective is to give students practical guidance, leadership skills and positive values that can help them navigate campus life while preparing for their future careers and responsibilities.
For tertiary institutions, the relationship between students and security agencies can be an important part of maintaining a peaceful learning environment.
The conference therefore provides an opportunity for students to engage with security authorities beyond enforcement, including discussions around responsible conduct, peaceful coexistence and security consciousness.
Police back student-led security dialogue
The Ogun State Police Command said it supports programmes that promote constructive Police-Student relations and safer academic environments.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 7 October, the Command commended the SUG President and host/convener, Comr. Akinpelu B. Timothy, and his executive team for organising the conference.
The Command said its participation reflects its commitment to supporting student-centred initiatives that encourage peaceful coexistence and responsible behaviour.
Beyond security: what students stand to gain
The organisers’ SWAT framework extends beyond policing.
The inclusion of welfare and academics alongside training and seminars means the conference is designed to address some of the wider issues students encounter during their time in higher education.
Leadership development is also central to the initiative, with student organisers seeking to encourage participants to take greater responsibility for their conduct, relationships and future plans.
This could make the event particularly relevant to students preparing to transition from campus into workplaces and wider society.
A different conversation about campus safety
The police endorsement also places student-police engagement at the centre of a conversation that is often dominated by incidents after they occur.
By creating a platform for dialogue before problems arise, initiatives such as the SWAT conference can help students better understand security responsibilities while giving authorities an opportunity to engage directly with young people in an academic setting.
However, the long-term value of such programmes will depend on whether conversations translate into sustained engagement and practical improvements in campus safety.
What happens next
The SWAT 1.0 Students’ Conference will hold from 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 9 October 2026, at the Leadership Auditorium of Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade.
The Ogun State Police Command said it would continue to support initiatives that contribute to safe, peaceful and conducive learning environments across tertiary institutions in the state.
Security
Lagos Police Probe Wider Cyberbullying Claims Against Clerics After Arrest
The Lagos State Police Command is investigating a series of allegations of online attacks against religious clerics following the arrest of a Lagos-based man accused of repeatedly making disparaging remarks about clerics and their beliefs.
The suspect, identified as Saheed Teyinbo, popularly known as “Alfasuna”, was arrested by police operatives after complaints were lodged against him by at least two religious figures, according to a police source.
The development has prompted the command to look beyond the initial complaints as investigators await possible reports from other people who may have been affected by similar alleged online activities.
Police trace suspect following complaints
Teyinbo, who is said to reside in Alakuko, Lagos, was reportedly tracked down by operatives following petitions submitted to the command.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, subsequently directed detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, to investigate the allegations.
One of the petitions was reportedly submitted by Prophet Israel Oladele, popularly known as “Prophet Genesis”, a pastor of the Celestial Church.
Oladele allegedly accused Teyinbo of making disparaging comments about him and his religious beliefs.
A second complaint was reportedly filed by Alhaji Sheikh Dr Hammed Olanrewaju Alfulanny, an Islamic scholar based on Yaya Abatan Road, Ogba, Lagos.
He similarly alleged that the suspect made offensive remarks about him and his religious beliefs.
Also Read: Ladipo Returns to Maritime Space as CONMMEP Names Him Patron
Alleged Kwara connection
The investigation may extend beyond Lagos, as police sources said Teyinbo was also allegedly wanted in Kwara State.
According to the source, a warrant of arrest had reportedly been issued against him in connection with alleged cyberbullying complaints involving other religious clerics.
The police have not publicly disclosed the identities of those additional complainants or provided details of the allegations attributed to them.
Police seek more alleged victims
The Lagos Command is now reportedly profiling the suspect while awaiting further complaints that could help investigators establish the scale and circumstances of the alleged cyber offences.
A police source said the suspect had been interrogated and allegedly confessed to the offences.
However, any alleged confession remains part of the police investigation and would need to be tested through due legal process.
The command is also expected to gather evidence from the complainants and other relevant parties before determining the next legal step.
“All relevant parties will be given the opportunity to present their evidence before the matter is brought before a court.”
The police source said the investigation would be conducted professionally and that the command would seek to establish the facts before the case is taken to court.
What happens next?
The immediate focus of the investigation is expected to be the complaints already filed against the suspect and any additional evidence that may emerge.
If investigators establish sufficient grounds, the suspect could be taken before a court, where the allegations would be formally tested.
Until then, the allegations against Teyinbo remain unproven.
The case also highlights the challenge faced by law-enforcement authorities in dealing with alleged online harassment and cyberbullying, particularly where social media activity involves public figures, religious leaders and disputes over beliefs.
Security
NSCDC Anambra Seeks Stronger Public Trust, Citizen Feedback
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has called for stronger cooperation between its officers and residents as it marks the 2026 Customer Service Week.
The Command said the week-long observance, which runs from October 5 to 9, provides an opportunity to listen to citizens, respond to their concerns and strengthen public confidence in the security agency.
State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, said public feedback would remain important to the Command’s efforts to improve its services and deepen its relationship with communities across Anambra.
“We value and recognize that public trust is vital to the discharge of our responsibilities, and this encourages us to prioritize public feedback in our ongoing efforts to enhance our services.”
Why the week matters
The 2026 Customer Service Week is being observed under the theme, “Going the Extra Mile,” which the NSCDC said highlights the importance of making additional efforts to meet public expectations.
Rather than limiting the observance to internal activities, the Anambra Command said its officers would engage directly with members of the public throughout the week.
The engagements are expected to provide opportunities for residents to raise concerns, seek assistance and interact with personnel of the Corps.
For a security organisation whose work depends partly on cooperation with communities, the Command said building trust and maintaining open communication remain essential to its responsibilities.
Also Read: Nigeria’s SMEs Need More Than Loans as Businesses Battle Rising Costs
NSCDC links security to community cooperation
Commandant Maku said the relationship between the Corps and the public should be viewed as a shared responsibility.
“The NSCDC is the society and the society is the NSCDC.”
He said a peaceful and secure environment was necessary for communities to pursue social, economic and political activities.
According to him, the Command has strengthened partnerships with stakeholders and introduced community-oriented approaches in response to changing security needs across the state.
Command asks residents to report concerns
The State Commandant also appealed to residents to continue working with security agencies to maintain peace and order.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest NSCDC formation.
The Command said continued cooperation from residents would help support its efforts to maintain peace and stability across Anambra.
Maku also expressed appreciation to residents for what he described as their continued cooperation, trust and support.
“We sincerely appreciate the people of Anambra State for their continued cooperation, trust and support, which are crucial in fostering peace and stability within our communities.”
What’s next
The Customer Service Week activities will continue until Friday, October 9, with the Command expected to maintain its focus on public engagement and service delivery.
The observance places citizen interaction alongside the Command’s broader security responsibilities, with the NSCDC saying it remains committed to accountability, professionalism and respect for citizens’ human rights.
-
health2 days agoNAWOJ Lagos Honours C.O.P.E Founder, Sets Spotlight on 10m-Woman Cancer Awareness Vision
-
Security5 days agoOgun Court Grants Bail to Three Accused of Assaulting Police Officers in Ago-Iwoye
-
Entertainment7 days agoTFAA20 Brings Accountability Expertise Into Jury as CODE Founder Joins Selection Panel
-
Security12 hours agoGateway Polytechnic Students Set to Tackle Campus Safety, Leadership at SWAT 1.0 Conference
-
Politics5 days agoOndo Projects: Aiyedatiwa Highlights Health, Agriculture, Power Plans
-
Media Affairs4 days agoLagos Information’s Yejide Adebola Wins First Miss NUJ
-
Technology5 days agoNIMASA Opens Blue Economy Accelerator Portal, Sets November 13 Deadline
-
Education4 days agoLagos Police Targets Early Prevention as POCACOV Engages 400 Students

