Customs Dissolves Joint Border Patrol Team, Reduces Checkpoints
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dissolved its Joint Patrol Team and announced reduction of Checkpoints across the country.
This was announced in a statement by NCS National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, 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,” the statement added.
It said that with the new strategy, the Service has dissolved the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) after due consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The patrol team commenced operation in 2019 with a code name “Ex-Swift Response” and later evolved into JBPT.
It was initially designed to enforce the partial border closure policy, and has played pivotal role in curbing the influx of dangerous goods and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade and security regulations.
The NCS acknowledged and deeply appreciated the cooperation and dedication of other government agencies that partnered in this endeavour, which were instrumental to 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.
