Now That Nigeria Customs Has Disbanded Its Patrol Team By Abdulsalam Mahmud
It is better not to discuss the state of Nigeria’s land and sea borders. To say they are porous would not be an exaggeration. These porous borders have exacerbated security threats, partly due to the influx of lethal arms and ammunition into the country.
Through our territorial land borders, some foreign nationals have invaded our fatherland, perpetrating all sorts of violent crimes. These crimes include armed banditry, kidnapping, smuggling, and even terrorism.
With little to no stringent checks at many border points, such individuals exploit the country’s weak security architecture to carry out activities that endanger the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians. The porous nature of the borders has also contributed significantly to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
This has fueled inter-communal clashes, political thuggery, and other forms of violence, making many rural communities unsafe. Local farmers, for instance, have abandoned their farmlands due to constant attacks by criminal elements who infiltrate the country through these unchecked entry points.
Economic losses are another devastating consequence of the porous borders. The influx of smuggled goods undermines local industries, leading to job losses and revenue leakage. Nigeria loses billions annually due to the unchecked movement of contraband items such as textiles, rice, and petroleum products.
This, in turn, affects the country’s ability to fund critical development projects. Additionally, the lack of proper border control has created a haven for human traffickers and drug cartels. These criminal networks thrive on weak enforcement mechanisms, exploiting the country’s borders to smuggle humans and illicit substances.
Such activities tarnish Nigeria’s image globally and complicate its fight against organized crime. One agency at the center of managing the country’s border security is the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which has just reinvigorated its 2025 Enforcement Strategy.
The move is part of efforts to strengthen border management, while the 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, approved the reduction of customs checkpoints across the country to streamline operations and ease the movement of goods and persons, a statement by Abdullahi Maiwada, the agency’s spokesperson revealed. “Moving forward, customs operations will rely more on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
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“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). 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,” the statement further said.
As a matter of fact, the disbanding of the JBPT is a significant shift in Nigeria’s border security approach. The JBPT had played a key role in curbing smuggling and enforcing trade rules. However, the decision to end it reflects a move toward adapting border security strategies to meet new challenges.
The new focus is on intelligence-driven operations and modern technology. This will allow for more effective border control. The aim is for the NCS to stay ahead of emerging threats while improving the flow of legitimate trade. This shift, also, signals a fresh direction for the Nigeria Customs.
It is a step toward improving coordination with other security and law enforcement agencies in the country. The end of the JBPT brings in a more flexible, responsive approach to securing the nation’s borders. Now that Customs has disbanded its Joint Patrol Team, a new chapter in Nigeria’s border security strategy is about unfolding.
Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, can be reached via: [email protected].*
