By MARTHA AGAS

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the dissolution of its Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT).

The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

Maiwada said that the move was made after due consultation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

He said that it was also part of its efforts to strengthen border management and reinvigorate its 2025 enforcement strategy.

“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,” he said.

According to Maiwada, the move will not compromise border security or trade facilitation, but represent a significant step towards modernising customs operations, improving trade compliance, and strengthening national security.

He said that the NCS Comptroller-General (C-G), Adewale Adeniyi, has approved the reduction of customs checkpoints across the country, aimed at streamlining its operations and to ease the movement of goods and persons.

The Spokesman quoted the C-G saying that the service would henceforth, rely on solid intelligence to enhance its operations.

The C-G 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 the Spokesman, the JBPT formerly known as ‘Ex-Swift Response’ started its operations in 2019, with the initial design to enforce the partial border closure policy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JBPT coordinated by the ONSA, evolved from Ex-Swift Response to become a tripartite operation comprising Benin Rep., Niger and Nigeria.

It was transformed in a renewed effort to combat smuggling, irregular migration and other transitional organised crimes along the nation’s border, among others.

He said that 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.

He acknowledged the cooperation and dedication of other government agencies, who partnered with them for the implementation of the JBPT’s vision.

While thanking them, he stated that their invaluable contributions had been instrumental in securing Nigeria’s land borders.

“While soliciting the support of all stakeholders in the good fight against economic saboteurs, the C-G reassures of his commitment and that of his officers and men to secure the nation’s borders effectively.

Also, to facilitate legitimate trade, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians,” he said. (NAN)