The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) International Special Services has recently commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its steadfast commitment to border security and its success in disrupting transnational organised crime. This recognition was prompted by the recent seizure of 12 luxury vehicles by the RCMP Liaison Office in Lagos, which brought the total number of stolen Canadian vehicles intercepted in Nigeria to 65—adding to an earlier recovery of 53 vehicles. These significant achievements are a testament to the collaborative efforts among Nigeria’s NCS, the RCMP, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Interpol Nigeria.
The commendation was officially presented during a ceremony held on May 21, 2025, at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. During the event, His Excellency Pasquale Salvaggio, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, awarded a Certificate of Recognition to Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The honour praised his leadership and acknowledged Nigeria’s vital role in combating cross-border crime and organised illicit activities.
In his remarks, the Canadian envoy highlighted Nigeria’s efforts in intercepting high-value exotic vehicles and seizing large quantities of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as ‘loud,’ smuggled into Nigeria from Canada through numerous ports, airports, and unapproved routes. He credited Nigeria’s strong cooperation with Canadian and Nigerian law enforcement agencies for disrupting major international crime syndicates and protecting the integrity of their shared borders.
CGC Adeniyi expressed appreciation for the recognition, thanking the Canadian government and reaffirming Nigeria Customs’ dedication to fostering stronger international cooperation in the fight against illicit trade. He emphasised the importance of formalising this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CBSA to strengthen enforcement, intelligence sharing, and training. Recognising that modern crime is increasingly global, Adeniyi also highlighted the need for more robust engagement among Customs administrations worldwide, especially given Nigeria and Canada’s active roles within the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
Representing the RCMP at the event, Mr. Liam Price, the Director General of International Special Services, acknowledged that Nigeria’s collaboration has significantly enhanced Canada’s enforcement capabilities and remains vital in combating organised criminal networks. The ceremony was further attended by key leaders from Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, including EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retired), and the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Olaolu Adegbite of Interpol Nigeria.
This recognition underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s rising reputation as a reputable and reliable partner in international border security. It reaffirms that sustained inter-agency collaboration is essential in effectively combating illicit trade and transnational crime on a global scale.
