The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector II, Southwest Zone, has thwarted an arms smuggling operation, confiscating six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges concealed in sacks of cassava flakes.
Addressing journalists at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu revealed that the smuggled firearms were uncovered on December 3, 2024, following a suspicious incident along the Okerete-Odo bush path in Oyo State.
“A patrol team observed a man abandoning a Toyota Camry saloon car and fleeing into the bush. Upon inspection, the vehicle contained six rifles with distinct serial numbers and the live ammunition hidden in cassava sacks,” Shuaibu explained.
This latest success underscored the JBPT’s commitment to combating cross-border crimes. Since its inception in August 2019, the team has achieved significant milestones, including:
Seizures valued at over ₦36.7 billion in Duty Paid Value.
Confiscation of 7,200kg of pangolin scales, 15 pump-action rifles, and over 5.5 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Intercepting 1,507 irregular immigrants and resolving 280 human trafficking cases.
Generating ₦1.14 billion in revenue through the sale of seized petroleum products.
Deputy Comptroller Shuaibu commended the collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other security agencies. He also expressed gratitude to patriotic citizens and key stakeholders for their unwavering support.
In recognition of their dedication, exceptional officers from JBPT Sector II were awarded for their outstanding contributions.
Shuaibu reaffirmed the team’s commitment to enhancing national security while extending gratitude to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi for their steadfast support.
