The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a significant restructuring of its border operations, dissolving the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) and implementing a new enforcement strategy focused on intelligence-driven operations and advanced technology. This move, according to NCS National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada, is part of a broader effort to modernize customs operations, enhance border security, and facilitate legitimate trade. The decision to dissolve the JBPT, which was initially formed as “Ex-Swift Response” in 2019 to enforce a partial border closure policy, comes after consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The JBPT later evolved into a tripartite operation involving Benin, Niger, and Nigeria, aimed at combating smuggling, irregular migration, and other transnational organized crimes.
The NCS emphasizes that the dissolution of the JBPT does not signify a weakening of border security. Instead, the service is shifting its focus from a physical presence at multiple checkpoints to a more strategic approach leveraging intelligence gathering and risk management frameworks. This new strategy will be supported by the deployment of geospatial tools and advanced technologies, enabling the NCS to more effectively target high-risk areas and activities. The goal is to create a more efficient and effective border control system that minimizes disruptions to legitimate trade while maximizing the interception of illicit goods and activities.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has also approved a reduction in the number of customs checkpoints across the country. This measure is intended to streamline operations and expedite the movement of goods and people, further facilitating legitimate trade. The reduced reliance on physical checkpoints reflects the NCS’s confidence in its enhanced intelligence capabilities and the effectiveness of its new enforcement strategy. By focusing on intelligence-led operations, the NCS aims to proactively identify and intercept smuggling attempts rather than relying solely on reactive measures at checkpoints.
The NCS acknowledges the significant contributions of the JBPT in curbing the influx of dangerous goods and enforcing trade and security regulations. The team, coordinated by the ONSA, played a crucial role in border security operations since its inception. The service recognizes the dedication and cooperation of other government agencies that partnered with the JBPT and expresses gratitude for their instrumental role in securing Nigeria’s land borders. The dissolution of the JBPT marks a transition to a new era of border management, one that prioritizes intelligence, technology, and strategic planning.
The NCS’s 2025 Enforcement Strategy, a key component of this restructuring, is designed to remove bottlenecks associated with trade while simultaneously strengthening border security and combating smuggling. This strategy aligns with the service’s commitment to modernizing its operations and adopting a more proactive and intelligence-driven approach to border control. The move away from a primarily checkpoint-based system towards a more agile and targeted approach is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations, ultimately benefiting both national security and legitimate trade.
The NCS is confident that this new strategy, combined with the reduction in checkpoints and the deployment of advanced technologies, will lead to a more secure and efficient border management system. The service is committed to leveraging innovative solutions and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve its goals of facilitating legitimate trade while effectively combating smuggling and other illicit activities. The NCS assures the public of its unwavering dedication to securing Nigeria’s borders and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. This restructuring signifies a major shift in the NCS’s operational philosophy, embracing a future of data-driven decision-making and proactive enforcement.
