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By Steve Agbota
In a major operation targeting cross-border crime, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), Sector 2, South-West Zone, Lagos, has apprehended 156 illegal immigrants and confiscated goods valued at over N1.38 billion. The seized items include petrol, hard drugs, rice, and other contraband.
Announcing the success of the operation in Lagos on Wednesday, Deputy Controller of Customs and Coordinator of the JBPT, Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that 109 male and 47 female immigrants were arrested for attempting to cross into Nigeria illegally. These individuals have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Shuaibu further disclosed that within the operational period, the team had prevented 125 individuals from entering the country and blocked the departure of 11 others. Additionally, 18 suspected traffickers and two trafficking agents were detained for violating immigration laws, underscoring the patrol’s focus on both illegal migration and human trafficking.
The operation also uncovered a vast array of contraband items, including 4,019 jerrycans of petrol, 2,633 bags of smuggled rice, 868 bales of second-hand clothing, and substantial quantities of hard drugs such as 790 bottles of codeine syrup and 154 blocks of cannabis sativa. Other intercepted goods included artificial raisins, used footwear, ginger, and a banned food preservative, calcium propionate. The combined value of these seized items stands at N1.381 billion.
Shuaibu highlighted that the patrol team was not only focused on securing the borders but also on safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests. The team recovered an additional N26.13 million in revenue through Debit Notes (DN) issued on vehicles and goods that had been undervalued. Moreover, an auction conducted during this period generated a further N31.3 million.
Addressing the raging issue of petrol smuggling, Shuaibu expressed disappointment at the continued efforts by smugglers to divert Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to neighboring countries.
Despite the federal government’s efforts to ensure sufficient fuel supply for Nigerians, certain criminal networks remain determined to siphon this vital resource across borders for personal profit.
“We are committed to bringing these unpatriotic individuals to justice. Our enhanced intelligence and surveillance operations have been instrumental in intercepting these illegal activities, and we will continue to intensify our efforts,” Shuaibu said.
With the last quarter of 2024 approaching, the JBPT has ramped up its collaboration with other security agencies and is employing more sophisticated intelligence to confront the anticipated increase in smuggling activities. Shuaibu affirmed that the team remains fully prepared to meet these challenges head-on, in line with the directives from Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Shuaibu urged those involved in smuggling to reconsider their actions and seek legitimate means of livelihood. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to help spread the message about the destructive impact of smuggling on Nigeria’s economy and security. “We must come together to combat smuggling, which not only undermines our economy but also threatens national security and exports jobs to other nations,” he emphasized.
As Nigeria continues to tackle cross-border crime and protect its economic interests, many say that this operation stands as a testament to the country’s resolve in safeguarding its borders and securing its future.
