Customs, NAPTIP Form Alliance To Curb Trafficking In Persons, And Wildlife
By Asuquo Nuwak
Customs, NAPTIP Form Alliance To Curb Trafficking In Persons, And Wildlife
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s readiness to cement collaboration with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in combating human trafficking and the illegal trade in endangered species.
CGC Adeniyi made this commitment on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, when a delegation from NAPTIP paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.
The CGC, who appreciated the visit, commended the delegation for their continued service to the country and assured them of Customs’ unwavering support.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges require joint action, stressing that the Service does not view crimes solely through the lens of smuggling, but through broader national security implications.
CGC, who believes in the power of collaboration, also said they can achieve more when they work together.
He pointed out that the Service has intensified its work on environmental sustainability and the enforcement of international conventions regarding flora and fauna, assuring the delegation that customs will fully collaborate on the upcoming national dialogue on human trafficking and stowaway incidents, scheduled for February 2026.
He pledged to provide technical expertise, intelligence sharing, and access to the Service’s training curriculum to strengthen inter-agency understanding of trafficking dynamics.
CGC Bashir Adeniyi, who said the Service will accept their request for partnership unconditionally, also said the Service will work with their designated officials on the February summit and explore wider interventions that reinforce national security.
Commenting during the visit, the Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu, expressed delight at securing formal engagement with the Customs Service.
She stated that NAPTIP was eager to strengthen operational partnerships, particularly in the area of intelligence exchange, policy development, and cross-border enforcement.
Binta Adamu is quoted as stating that: “I am happy today that I finally made it here and held this discussion with the Comptroller-General. We are a law enforcement agency with mandates to prevent, prosecute and protect. Partnership with Customs is essential for our work”.
She said as human trafficking continues to evolve, it requires close coordination among agencies operating at Nigeria’s multiple entry and exit points.
Similarly, a former NIMASA Director of Public Relations, Lami Tumaka, who spoke earlier said the visit was to seek Customs’ partnership for a one-day national policy dialogue on human trafficking by sea and stowaway incidents.
Tumaka described Customs as a “strategic player in border management and maritime enforcement,” adding that its involvement is critical to the success of the dialogue.
At the end, Lami Tumaka, who said customs officers are often the first line of defence against illicit movement of goods and persons, also pointed out that their expertise and nationwide presence are indispensable.
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