Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, Coordinator of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2, South-West Zone, Lagos, provided an update on the sector’s activities for the third quarter of 2024.
Covering the South-Western states of Nigeria, JBPT Sector 2 faces significant challenges due to difficult terrain and often hostile border communities. Established in 2019, the joint operation aims to tackle smuggling and cross-border crimes that threaten national and economic security.
Key Achievements:
1. Seizures and Interceptions: Between July and August 2024, the sector seized a wide array of prohibited items, including:
– Premium Motor Spirit: 4,019 jerricans (30 liters each)
– Foreign Parboiled Rice: 2,633 bags (50 kg each) and 21 bags (25 kg each)
– Second-Hand Clothing: 868 jumbo bales
– Codeine Syrup: 790 pieces (100 ml each)
– Cannabis Sativa: 154 blocks of various sizes
– Pangolin Shells: 179 sacks
– Used Footwear: 135 sacks
– Ginger: 77 sacks
– Food Additive (Calcium Propionate E282): 45 bags (20 kg each)
– Vehicles and Equipment: 15 detained cars, 5 means of conveyance, 5 released cars, 4 trucks, 2 motorcycles, 1 tricycle
– Miscellaneous: 3 cartons of Matanti macaroni, 3 cartons of Matanti spaghetti
These items’ total Duty Paid Value (DPV) is approximately ₦1.38 billion, with an auction value estimated at ₦31.38 million.
2. Immigration Enforcement: In collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service, the sector intercepted:
– 125 persons refused entry
– 11 persons refused departure
– 18 trafficking victims
– 2 suspected trafficking agents
These individuals were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution.
3. Revenue Collection: The sector generated ₦26,131,260 through debit notes issued for underpaid goods and vehicles.
Ongoing Efforts:
Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly with smugglers attempting to divert Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to neighboring countries. The sector continues to enhance its intelligence efforts and is prepared to tackle these challenges with increased vigilance and collaboration.
Deputy Comptroller Shuaibu urged smugglers to desist from illegal activities and appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth organizations to raise awareness about the economic and security risks. He thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his continued support and the necessary logistical backing.
The JBPT Sector 2 remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring national security.
