Burkina Faso : Burkina Faso customs, a silent bulwark in the service of national security.
Customs has established itself as a pillar of national security, going far beyond its traditional role of collecting tax revenues. Under the energetic leadership of Divisional Inspector Yves Kafando, the institution is waging a relentless fight against illicit trafficking that directly threatens the stability of the country.
The results of customs operations speak for themselves. In 2024, seizures of illicit products reached 4.77 billion CFA francs, including 3.4 billion CFA francs directly from trafficking financing armed groups. In August 2026, a record seizure of counterfeit banknotes and drugs worth more than 75 million CFA francs was made in Ouagadougou. The Director General of Customs stressed: « With this seizure, we have just dried up sources of terrorism. »
Between 2025 and 2026, operations have multiplied. Operation Lilgou, carried out between December 2025 and January 2026, resulted in the interception of 16,826 packages of prohibited products, including explosives, worth 732 million CFA francs. These explosives were handed over to the armed forces for immediate destruction, thus neutralizing potential threats before they materialized on the ground.
Burkina Faso Customs has continued to improve its collection performance, with an annual target of 1,367 billion CFA francs for 2026. Between May and July 2026, monthly revenues exceeded 120 billion CFA francs, with a record of 124 billion in June. These resources are essential to finance defense efforts and the reconquest of national territory.
The operations carried out in Bittou, Koudougou and other localities demonstrate the ability of Customs to adapt to the evolving methods of criminal networks. Director General Kafando called on his teams to remain « united, disciplined and resolutely result-oriented », while the year 2026 is placed under the sign of zero tolerance.
By neutralizing the financing of armed groups, seizing explosives intended for attacks, and strengthening the national economy, Burkina Faso Customs is positioning itself as a key player in the country’s security. A silent but vital fight, led by agents whose professionalism deserves to be saluted.
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