GEOCONTROL is the first geospatial intelligence pilot in Africa to mark a major milestone in the modernization of customs administrations.

From 6 to 8 July 2026, Benin and Nigeria led Operation GEOCONTROL, the first pilot geospatial intelligence operation organized on the African continent under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (WCO), with the support of the joint WCO-JICA project.

A First History for African Customs

For the first time in Africa, geospatial intelligence tools were integrated into a joint customs operation to strengthen border surveillance, improve detection of illicit activities and optimize field interventions.
Jointly led by the customs administrations of Benin and Nigeria, this operation reflects the will of the two countries to strengthen their cooperation in the face of the challenges of cross-border trafficking.

Technological innovation for customs performance

GEOCONTROL has mobilized drones, gyrocopters, digital mapping systems and geospatial intelligence tools associated with advanced risk analysis.
This combination of technology has improved the targeting of controls, increased team responsiveness and increased operational efficiency. It confirms the growing role of geospatial intelligence in the modernization of customs administrations.

An exemplary synergy between national actors and international partners

The success of the operation is based on close collaboration between the General Directorate of Benin Customs, the Air Force, the Maritime Prefecture and, above all, on the coordination of the three Master Trainers GEOINT of Benin Customs, Lieutenant-Colonel Gildas SEHLIN , Captain Barnabé ADANTCHEDE and Lieutenant Sah-Zaliyou BABA-KENNEN, trained by WCO in the framework of the WCO-JICA project, whose expertise in geospatial intelligence, risk analysis and data exploitation has greatly contributed to the effectiveness of field interventions, illustrating the rise of national expertise in this strategic area.

Encouraging results

The exploitation of geospatial intelligence has led to better control orientation, the identification of suspicious flows and several seizures of fraudulent goods.

Benin confirms its leadership

By hosting the first GEOCONTROL operation in Africa, Benin affirms its ambition to become a continental benchmark for customs innovation.

This initiative is part of the vision of the Director General of Customs, Colonel Raouf Malèhossou ABOUDOU, based on « the coherence of the issues with cutting-edge tools adapted to the requirements of our time ».

A stronger dynamic

Lessons learned from this first experiment will form the basis for the development of new operations integrating geospatial intelligence and collaborative approaches.

With Operation GEOCONTROL, Benin confirms that innovation, international cooperation and geospatial intelligence are now essential pillars of a modern, efficient and forward-looking Customs.