In a landmark reform, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the dissolution of its Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) and the reduction of customs checkpoints nationwide. This sweeping measure is aimed at modernizing operations, enhancing border security, and facilitating smoother trade under the agency’s 2025 Enforcement Strategy.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, disclosed the development during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, the decision was reached following 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,” Maiwada revealed, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to balancing security and trade facilitation.
The reform comes as part of a larger framework to overhaul the NCS’s approach to border management. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, underscored the agency’s pivot to intelligence-driven operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
“Going forward, customs operations will rely heavily on actionable intelligence and strategic risk management frameworks,” Adeniyi stated. He further revealed plans to deploy advanced geospatial tools and cutting-edge technologies to bolster enforcement strategies.
The agency’s modernization drive is rooted in addressing long-standing inefficiencies that have plagued Nigeria’s border operations. By reducing the number of checkpoints, the NCS aims to streamline customs processes, ease the movement of goods and people, and minimize delays in cross-border trade.
“These measures are designed to address operational inefficiencies, enhance border security, and ensure a seamless trading environment,” Maiwada added.
The dissolution of the JBPT marks the end of an era for a task force that had been central to Nigeria’s border management since 2019. Initially launched under the name “Ex-Swift Response,” the JBPT was created to enforce the government’s controversial partial border closure policy. Over time, it evolved into a tripartite operation involving Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Niger, focusing on smuggling, irregular migration, and transnational organized crime.
The JBPT played a critical role in intercepting contraband goods, ensuring compliance with trade and security regulations, and tackling economic sabotage. The task force’s operations yielded significant results, including the seizure of dangerous goods and the disruption of illicit trade networks.
The Comptroller-General expressed gratitude to the various government agencies that collaborated with the JBPT, highlighting their contributions to securing Nigeria’s borders.
“The dedication and cooperation of our partners have been instrumental in achieving our objectives,” Adeniyi remarked.
Despite the dissolution of the JBPT, the NCS has assured Nigerians that border security will not be compromised. Instead, the agency is focusing on refining its operations to better align with international best practices.
“We are committed to securing the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians,” Adeniyi said.
The reduction in checkpoints is expected to address complaints from traders and transporters about excessive delays and extortion along major trade routes. This move aligns with the federal government’s broader agenda to ease the cost of doing business in Nigeria and promote economic growth.
The new strategy underscores a shift from manpower-intensive operations to intelligence-based enforcement. By leveraging data analytics and technology, the NCS aims to predict and respond to smuggling trends more effectively.
Maiwada explained that these reforms would not only strengthen the fight against smuggling but also foster greater compliance among traders. “Our goal is to create a system that rewards legitimate trade while penalizing economic sabotage,” he stated.
The agency is also seeking to enhance collaboration with neighboring countries to tackle cross-border crimes. Enhanced cooperation with international partners, including Benin Republic and Niger, will remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s border management strategy.
The decision to dissolve the JBPT has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders. While many traders and transport operators have welcomed the reduction in checkpoints, some security experts have raised concerns about potential gaps in border surveillance.
However, the NCS has assured that its new intelligence-driven approach will mitigate such risks. “We are not just reducing checkpoints; we are increasing our capacity to monitor and respond to threats in real time,” Maiwada emphasized.
The reforms also align with Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to promote seamless trade across the continent. By streamlining customs processes, the NCS hopes to position Nigeria as a regional hub for commerce and trade.
