The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2, operating in the South-West region of Nigeria, specifically Lagos, has recorded significant successes in combating smuggling and cross-border crimes since its inception in August 2019. The team’s primary mandate is to address the security challenges posed by the proliferation of illegal weapons, illicit drugs, prohibited goods, and other cross-border criminal activities. Led by the Nigeria Customs Service, the JBPT collaborates with various security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, and the National Intelligence Agency, under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser. Their combined efforts aim to enhance national security and protect the nation’s borders from illicit activities.
A recent report presented by Mohammed Shuaibu, the team’s coordinator and a Deputy Controller of Customs, highlighted the substantial impact of the JBPT’s operations. Between August 2019 and the present date, the team has intercepted a vast array of contraband goods, with a total estimated duty-paid value of N36.7 billion. These seizures include a staggering 130,954 bags of foreign rice, equivalent to 218 truckloads, demonstrating the scale of illegal rice importation the team has disrupted. The seizures also encompass a diverse range of items, including 7,200kg of pangolin scales, highlighting the team’s commitment to combating wildlife trafficking, and a significant quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), amounting to 5,575,020 liters, indicating their efforts to curb fuel smuggling.
Beyond the economic impact of these seizures, the JBPT has also played a crucial role in enhancing national security. Notably, the team intercepted six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges concealed within a sack of cassava flakes in Oyo State. This interception underscores the team’s vigilance in preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms, a significant security concern in Nigeria, which reportedly accounts for 70% of the estimated 500 million illegal weapons circulating in West Africa. The interception of these weapons, likely destined for criminal activities, demonstrates the JBPT’s significant contribution to maintaining peace and security. Furthermore, the arrests of 1,507 illegal immigrants highlight the team’s efforts in controlling illegal migration and addressing potential security risks associated with it.
The JBPT’s operational successes extend beyond seizures and arrests. The team has also generated revenue for the Federal Government through the auction sales of seized petroleum products. An impressive N1.1 billion has been remitted to the federation account from these sales, further demonstrating the economic benefits of the JBPT’s operations. This revenue generation contributes to public funds and can be utilized for various national development projects. The team’s activities not only disrupt the supply chains of illicit goods but also bolster government revenue, creating a positive feedback loop for sustained border security operations.
The broader context of the JBPT’s operations underscores the significant security challenges posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. With an estimated 6.15 million small arms in the hands of civilians, the potential for violence and crime is substantial. The JBPT’s efforts to intercept and seize illegal weapons play a crucial role in mitigating this threat. By targeting the supply chains of these weapons, the team aims to reduce their availability to criminal elements, thereby contributing to a safer and more secure environment for Nigerian citizens.
In conclusion, the Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 has made substantial strides in addressing smuggling, illegal immigration, and the proliferation of illegal weapons in the South-West region of Nigeria. Their multi-agency approach, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser and led by the Nigeria Customs Service, has resulted in the seizure of billions of Naira worth of contraband, the arrest of illegal immigrants, and the interception of dangerous weapons. These efforts not only protect the nation’s borders but also contribute to national security and generate revenue for the Federal Government. The JBPT’s continued vigilance and operational effectiveness are essential in tackling the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in light of the widespread availability of illegal firearms in the region.
