The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2, South-West Zone, operating under the National Security Adviser, intercepted 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 firearms, identified by their serial numbers, were concealed within sacks of cassava flour (garri) and loaded into a Toyota Camry Saloon car as a decoy. The discovery followed the suspicious behavior of an individual who fled upon sighting the patrol team.
Speaking in Lagos, JBPT Sector 2 Coordinator Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu disclosed that since the unit's inception in August 2019 under “Operation Swift Response,” it has seized goods valued at ₦36.7 billion and intercepted 1,507 irregular immigrants, reflecting its unwavering commitment to border security.
Shuaibu praised the collaborative efforts of security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, Immigration, Customs, and intelligence services, in addressing the challenges of smuggling, cross-border crimes, and the proliferation of illicit weapons.
He highlighted significant achievements, including:
- Seized Goods: 130,954 bags of foreign rice (equivalent to 218 truckloads), 5,575,020 liters of petrol, and 7,200 kg of pangolin scales.
- Anti-Human Trafficking: 280 cases intercepted.
- Firearms Recovery: 15 pump-action rifles seized, including the latest six during the Okerete-Ododo operation.
- Revenue Boost: ₦1.14 billion generated through auctioned petroleum products.
Shuaibu expressed gratitude to officers, stakeholders, and patriotic citizens for their dedication to securing Nigeria’s borders, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and teamwork. He also acknowledged the leadership of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for their strategic support and logistics that enabled the team’s success.
“Their guidance has been pivotal in suppressing cross-border crimes, enhancing national security, and fostering collaboration among agencies,” Shuaibu concluded.
