The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) as part of ongoing reforms to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons.
The strategy is equally aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade.
Already, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has further approved the reduction of Customs checkpoints across the country.
The JBPT operation, which commenced in 2019 with a code name “Ex-Swift Response” and later evolved into JBPT, was initially designed to enforce the partial border closure policy.
Since its inception, the JBPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the influx of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade and security regulations.
A statement by the National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada explained that the decisions were reached after due consultation with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The statement said: “Moving forward, Customs’ operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
“Also, the Service is deploying geospatial tools and advanced technologies to ensure the effectiveness of NCS enforcement strategies. This development underscores the Service’s commitment to leveraging innovative, intelligence-driven approaches for effective border enforcement and anti-smuggling operations.
“The NCS acknowledges and deeply appreciates the cooperation and dedication of other government agencies that partnered in this endeavour. Their invaluable contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding Nigeria’s land borders.
“The Service assures the general public and stakeholders that these measures will not compromise border security or trade facilitation. Rather, they represent a significant step towards modernising customs operations, improving trade compliance, and strengthening national security.
“While soliciting the support of all stakeholders in the good fight against economic saboteurs, the CGC reassured his commitment and that of his officers and men to securing the nation’s borders effectively, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”
