In a significant security operation, the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2, overseeing the South-West zone, has uncovered six pump-action rifles concealed in sacks of cassava flour (garri) within a Toyota Camry saloon car. The discovery was made during a routine patrol along the Okerete-Ododo bush path near the Oyo State and Benin Republic border in December 2024. The seized rifles, identified by serial numbers 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084, were accompanied by 1,125 live cartridges.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, Coordinator of the JBPT Sector 2, highlighted the team’s achievements since its establishment. “From August 2019 to date, the JBPT has seized goods valued at N36.7 billion and intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants,” he stated.

The initiative, formerly known as Operation Swift Response, was launched in August 2019 to tackle border-related security threats, including the smuggling of small arms, illicit drugs, and other contraband. Deputy Comptroller Shuaibu noted that the operation involves multiple agencies, with the Nigerian Customs Service as the lead organisation, working under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Providing details of the recent interception, Shuaibu explained, “On December 3, 2024, our patrol team noticed a man fleeing from a stationary Toyota Camry along the Okerete-Ododo bush path. Upon inspecting the abandoned vehicle, six rifles and 1,125 live cartridges were discovered, cleverly hidden in sacks of cassava flour.”

In addition to this operation, Shuaibu listed other notable seizures made by the JBPT, including 130,954 bags of foreign rice, 7,200 kg of pangolin scales, over 5.5 million litres of petrol, 11,322 cartons of frozen products, 4,124 bales of second-hand clothes, and 15 additional pump-action rifles. The team also reported disrupting 280 suspected cases of human trafficking and confiscating 480 vehicles used for smuggling activities.

Despite operational challenges, the JBPT’s efforts have been bolstered by collaboration with stakeholders, innovative strategies, and effective leadership. Deputy Comptroller Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the team members, stakeholders, and security agencies for their unwavering commitment to combating cross-border crimes.

He also extended appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for their support and leadership. “Your guidance and logistical backing have been crucial in our mission to secure the nation’s borders,” Shuaibu added.

The JBPT remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, ensuring the security of lives and property along its borders.