Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, disclosed this development on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that the decision followed consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the dissolution of its Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) as part of a broader plan to enhance border management and modernise its operations under the 2025 Enforcement Strategy.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, disclosed this development on Tuesday in Abuja, stating that the decision followed consultations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“This strategy is aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade,” Mr. Maiwada said.
He explained that the dissolution would not compromise border security or trade facilitation but would streamline customs operations, improve trade compliance, and bolster national security.
As part of the reform, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, approved a reduction in the number of customs checkpoints nationwide to ease the movement of goods and people.
The NCS said these measures are designed to address operational inefficiencies, enhance border security, and ensure a seamless trading environment, aligning with the government’s modernisation goals.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Customs Service Comptroller-General (C-G) emphasised the agency's shift toward intelligence-driven operations to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
“Going forward, customs operations will rely heavily on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks,” the C-G said.
“We are also deploying geospatial tools and advanced technologies to strengthen enforcement strategies.”
He notes that the agency’s commitment to innovative, intelligence-based approaches for border security and anti-smuggling efforts.
The spokesman also provided an update on the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), formerly known as ‘Ex-Swift Response,’ which began in 2019 to enforce the partial border closure policy.
The JBPT, coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has since evolved into a tripartite operation involving Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Niger.
The JBPT was revamped to tackle smuggling, irregular migration, and transnational organised crimes along Nigeria’s borders. Since its inception, it has played a critical role in intercepting dangerous goods and ensuring adherence to trade and security regulations.
The C-G commended the cooperation and dedication of other government agencies collaborating with the JBPT, stating their contributions have been instrumental in securing Nigeria’s land borders.
While calling on all stakeholders to support the fight against economic saboteurs, the C-G reiterated his commitment to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.