INTERPOL Data Centre boosts customs’ capacity to detect stolen vehicles, cargo worldwide

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major leap in intelligence-led border management with the deployment of an INTERPOL Data Centre that enables officers to instantly detect stolen vehicles and other transported assets entering Nigeria from any part of the world.

The facility, installed at the Service Headquarters in Abuja, connects the NCS to INTERPOL’s global criminal intelligence network, providing real-time access to international databases containing information on stolen vehicles, vessels, cargo, travel documents, parcels and other assets linked to criminal activities.

Speaking during a demonstration of the facility, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the development as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing technology-driven transformation and intelligence-led enforcement strategy.

CGC Adeniyi and DCG Timi Bomodi

According to him, modern Customs administration has evolved beyond conventional revenue collection and border checks, with technology and intelligence now playing a critical role in combating transnational organised crime, smuggling and other cross-border offences.

Adeniyi disclosed that the Service is also finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INTERPOL to further strengthen collaboration, intelligence sharing and joint enforcement operations.

At the handing over of recovered vehicles at Tincan Customs Command by the then Controller, Compt. Frank Onyeka to Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Nasser Salihou,

The Comptroller-General also highlighted the capabilities of the Service’s indigenous B’Odogwu digital platform, noting that it complements the INTERPOL system and has the potential to support trade facilitation and Customs modernisation across Nigeria and other African countries.

INTERPOL Consultant, Chikwe Udensi, explained that the Abuja facility is the eighth INTERPOL Data Centre established in Africa and provides Customs officers with access to more than 152 global criminal databases.

He said the platform enables officers to instantly verify whether any vehicle, vessel, cargo or transported asset presented for clearance has been reported stolen or linked to criminal activity anywhere in the world.

“This gives officers immediate access to actionable intelligence that strengthens border security, enhances investigations, disrupts criminal networks and protects government revenue,” Udensi said.

He added that the system significantly improves the Service’s capacity to intercept stolen vehicles and illicit goods before they enter the Nigerian market, while also strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection, Timi Bomodi, disclosed that officers have already been trained to operate the platform and that it has been fully integrated into the Service’s existing ICT infrastructure.

According to him, beyond detecting stolen vehicles and other assets, the platform also improves cargo profiling, customs valuation and risk management by providing officers with accurate information on the origin, description and movement history of imported goods.

The deployment of the INTERPOL Data Centre is expected to enhance Nigeria’s border security, improve intelligence-driven enforcement, facilitate legitimate trade and reinforce the Nigeria Customs Service’s role in combating transnational crime through global information sharing.