{
  "id": 17751942,
  "title": "Customs deploy AI to combat fake news, scams",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/customs-deploy-ai-to-combat-fake-news-scams",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-11-02T05:52:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/customs-deploy-ai-to-combat-fake-news-scams/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Nigeria Customs Service is utilizing Artificial Intelligence and digital intelligence tools to combat fake news and online scams that could damage its reputation. This initiative was announced by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, at the 2026 Nigerian Council of the Institute of Public Relations Roundtable in Abuja. The purpose of this effort is to monitor online information, verify facts, and counter misleading narratives. Additionally, it aims to foster collaboration with relevant agencies to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for spreading false or fraudulent content.\n\nAdeniyi emphasized the importance of effective communication to ensure the public understands the reasons behind Customs officers' actions and operations. He highlighted that AI has become crucial in both operational duties and strategic communication. The service has already implemented AI-assisted risk management, which allows for the assessment of imported goods and classification based on risk levels. This aids in determining suitable interventions. Furthermore, AI can analyze public sentiment, providing insights into how Nigerians perceive Customs activities.\n\nThe Nigeria Customs Service is leveraging digital platforms to verify information and collaborate with other agencies to counter those disseminating misleading claims. The roundtable event explored the growing influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on public communication.",
  "summary": "The Nigeria Customs Service is deploying Artificial Intelligence and digital intelligence tools to combat fake news and online scams that threaten its reputation. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed the move in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the service’s spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada. Adeniyi spoke at the 2026 Nigerian Council of Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Nigeria Customs Service uses AI to combat fake news and scams",
    "AI-assisted risk management helps assess imported goods",
    "Collaboration with agencies to identify and apprehend false content spreaders"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Integrating digital intelligence into strategic communication shifts the agency from reactive damage control to proactive reputation management through real-time fact verification and sentiment analysis.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}