The Customs High Command has made public its decision to dissolve the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT).
Maritime Bits checks revealed that JBPT started operation in 2019 with a code name, Ex-Swift Response which later evolved into JBPT.
It 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.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada said the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who approved the dissolution of the JBPT did so after due consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, the NCS acknowledges and deeply appreciates the co-operation and dedication of other government agencies that partnered in this endeavour. Their invaluable contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding Nigeria’s land borders.
It added that the dissolution of the JBPT was part of efforts to strengthen border management as part of NCS decision to reinvigorate its 2025 enforcement strategy.
“This strategy is aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade”, it said.
The CGC also approved the reduction of customs checkpoints across the country to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons.
Giving an insight into the decision taken by the CGC, Maiwada, an Assistant Comptroller of Customs 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”.
According to him, 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, Adeniyi reassured his commitment and that of his officers and men to secure the nation’s borders effectively, facilitate legitimate trade, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
