Customs Plot Increased Technology Driven Border Security

… Formally Dissolves Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Ahead of its commitment to streamline and reinvigorate its operations for optimal productivity and efficiency in 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to raise the radar of intelligence gathering in combating smuggling activities.

In line with above resolution, the NCS also recently announced the scrapping of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) established in 2019, noting that the decision to dissolve the JBPT was in consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi in a statement note that above decisions are designed to improved performance and serve the country and its citizens better.

The statement signed on his behalf by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada reads:

“As part of efforts to strengthen border management, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinvigorated its 2025 Enforcement Strategy. This strategy is aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has approved the reduction of customs checkpoints across the country to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons. 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.

“Drawing from the above strategies, the Service also announces the dissolution of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) after due consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).”

While thanking sister agencies that participated in the border drill task force, the CGC assured Nigerians that the latest strategies is a reflection of its innovation to continue to improve on its services to the nation.

“This 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.

“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 secure the nation’s borders effectively, facilitate legitimate trade, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.”