By Stella Odueme
The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has recognised the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, for his contributions to border security, trade facilitation and effective public communication.
Adeniyi received the awards on behalf of the Service at DECAN’s 2026 Conference and Awards Ceremony held in Abuja on October 12.
The recognition was in acknowledgement of the NCS’s role in safeguarding national security, protecting the economy, facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening engagement with stakeholders.
DECAN commended the Service for its intensified anti-smuggling operations, intelligence-driven enforcement strategies, revenue generation efforts and deployment of technology to combat trans-border crimes while promoting legitimate commercial activities.
The association also praised the NCS for its commitment to transparency and public awareness through the office of its National Public Relations Officer.
It noted that effective communication had enhanced public understanding of Customs operations, ongoing modernisation reforms and the statutory responsibilities of the Service.
According to the association, the increasing use of technology, data analytics, intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation has become essential in tackling smuggling, trafficking and other illicit cross-border activities, while protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
The awards further highlighted the importance of strategic communication and intelligence-led enforcement in addressing contemporary security challenges and improving operational effectiveness.
The NCS has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening border management, improving operational efficiency and supporting the Federal Government’s economic objectives.
The DECAN conference, themed, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” attracted senior military and security officials, government representatives, policymakers and journalists.
Participants examined emerging security threats and explored strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through technological innovation, intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations.
They also emphasised the importance of effective public communication in promoting public understanding, building trust and supporting collaborative efforts to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
DECAN is a professional association of journalists covering defence, security and military affairs in Nigeria.
The association promotes accurate and responsible security reporting and encourages constructive engagement between the media, government and security institutions.