The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2, operating under the National Security Advisor, has intercepted six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges concealed inside sacks of cassava flour (garri). The firearms were discovered during a routine patrol along the Okerete-Ododo bush path near the Oyo State-Benin Republic border. The rifles were hidden in a Toyota Camry, which had been used as a decoy.
The operation, which took place on December 3, 2024, saw a man fleeing from the abandoned vehicle, raising suspicion among the patrol team. The subsequent interception revealed the concealed weapons. Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, the Coordinator of the JBPT, highlighted that the team’s consistent efforts in combating smuggling and border security have led to significant successes since its inception in August 2019.
Shuaibu reported that since the launch of the operation, the unit has seized goods worth ₦36.7 billion and intercepted over 1,500 illegal immigrants. The operation, originally known as “Operation Swift Response,” is part of a broader initiative to address security threats caused by illicit weapons, drugs, and other cross-border crimes. The team works closely with various security agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and Immigration Service, to ensure effective border control.
Among the notable seizures made by the JBPT Sector 2 are 130,954 bags of smuggled rice, 7,200 kg of pangolin scales, 5.5 million liters of petroleum products, and over 11,000 cartons of illegal frozen goods. These efforts not only curb illegal activities but also generate revenue for the Federal Government through auctions of seized goods, amounting to over ₦1.14 billion from the sale of petroleum products alone.
Despite operational challenges, Shuaibu commended the dedication and professionalism of the JBPT Sector 2 personnel, acknowledging their tireless efforts in securing the nation’s borders. He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for their ongoing support, which has been instrumental in the team’s successes in suppressing cross-border crimes.
