The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2, overseeing the South-West zone under the National Security Advisor, announced the interception of six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges during a routine patrol along the Okerete-Ododo bush path near the Oyo State and Benin Republic border.

The weapons, identified by their serial numbers, were concealed inside sacks of cassava flour (garri) and loaded in a Toyota Camry Saloon car as a decoy.

Speaking in Lagos, the Team’s Coordinator, Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, disclosed that since August 2019, the unit has seized goods valued at ₦36.7 billion and intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants, reflecting its commitment to border security and anti-smuggling operations.

His words: “The former code-named “Operation Swift Response” was inaugurated on 20th August 2019 to address security challenges along the nation’s international borders caused by the proliferation of smuggled small and light weapons, illicit drugs, prohibited goods, and other cross-border crimes.

“As the principal adviser to the President on national security, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates the management of the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), working closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, the Immigration Service, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Nigerian Customs Service as the lead agency to ensure improved security at the nation’s border.

“The Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 2 covers the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It specifically focused on the border corridors with the neighbouring countries.

He pointed out that “the doggedness and the sacrifice of JBPT Sector 2 in fighting cross-border crimes were instrumental in achieving some significant successes. This includes the seizure of goods worth a duty-paid value of over N36.7 billion and the interception of 1,507 irregular immigrants. ” The Sector’s efforts also boosted the Federal Government’s revenue through auction sales. An aggregate of N1,140,162,562 was paid into the federation account from the sales of seized petroleum products.

The recent of this kind of seizure, he said, “was on December 3, 2024, when a patrol team sighted a man running away from a stationed Toyota Camry Saloon car along the Okerete-Ododo bush path of Oyo State. The fleeing man’s action raised suspicion on the abandoned vehicle, and it was intercepted.

“After conducting a search on the vehicle, it was found to contain six pump-action rifles with the following numbers: 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084. A total of 1,125 pieces of live cartridges were found to be carefully concealed inside sacks containing cassava flakes.

Prominent among other seizures recorded from 20 August 2019 till date, he added, ” are: I, 130,954 bags of foreign bags of rice (50 kg) equivalent to 218 truckloads; 7,200 kg of pangolin scales; 5,575,020 litres of Premium motor spirit; 11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products; 4,124 bales of used clothes; 4,057 kegs of vegetable oil; 15 pump action riffles; 280 suspected cases of human trafficking; 480 units of motor vehicles; and 1,190 means of conveyance

“The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2 had encountered some operational challenges like any other establishment. However, these challenges were surmounted with the aid of collaboration with some critical stakeholders, developing innovative problem-solving skills, and commitment to effective leadership and management.

“At this juncture, I express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the officers and men of JBPT Sector 2, across the component security agencies, patriotic citizens, and stakeholders for your unwavering commitment to fighting cross-border crimes.

“I am honoured to lead a courageous and determined team that is committed to the safety and security of our nation. Your dedication, bravery, and perseverance have been instrumental to the successes recorded by the team.

“The tireless efforts you made towards securing our borders by suppressing smuggling and the interception of illegal immigrants are not unnoticed. Thank you for demonstrating professionalism, teamwork, and patriotism in the face of numerous challenges.

“To the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, we express our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support towards the success of the Joint Border Patrol Team.”

Their leadership styles and logistics supply, he added ” are instrumental to our success story at suppressing cross-border crimes. We are grateful for the opportunity to work under your supervision,” he said.