We Have Suppressed Smuggling in North Central Zone – JBPT Coordinator

…Advises Nigerians To Stop Patronizing Foreign Rice

Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) North Central Zone, has suppressed smuggling activities with clampdown on the economic saboteurs and their enablers within the zone

The Coordinator Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) North Central Zone, Sector 3 Ilorin, Comp Olugboyega Peters psc disclosed this on Wednesday during a media briefing at Ilorin Sector 3 headquarters.

Comp Peters said the JBPT made 35 seizures from April 1 to June 1, 2021 with a total Duty Paid Value of over N28million.

He said the seized items include 637 Bags of 50kg of foreign parboiled rice and 15 vehicles used to convey the items.

Other items are 795 Kegs of 25 liters of Premium motor spirit, 14 Cartons of Condense Milk, 4 Cartons of Batteries, 14Tin Tomatoes Paste and  3 Bags of Sugar.

The coordinator therefore urged Nigerians to stop patronizing foreign rice to discourage smuggling, noting that it will boost the economy and create employment.

His words: ”Notwithstanding the aforementioned, it is my pleasure to inform you that we have not lost sight of the very important function of the fight against smuggling, human trafficking and compliance with ECOWAS agreement by neighboring countries.

”We have sharpened our intelligence, re-strategized and drawn a more robust Area of Responsibility (AOR) to help combat these illicit activities. In line with Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004 (CEMA) as amended which guides the operations of the team, we have conducted our duties with professionalism and efficiency. From example Power of Police officer- Section 8, Power of forfeiture- Section 46, Powers to search vehicles- Section 149, Powers to search to persons-section 150, Powers to patrol freely-section 158”

Peters attributed the successes recorded to the good motivation from the Nigeria Customs Service Management, office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other sister agencies which has boosted the morale of officers.

”Despite the series of attacks by dare devil smugglers/hoodlums during our course of duty, the Sector will not be distracted from executing her mandate. To this end, anyone caught disrupting our officers in the line of duty or perpetuating nefarious activities of smuggling etc shall be made to face the wrath of the law.” JBPT coordinator added.

He also appreciated the press for being objective in reporting the challenges our officers are facing while discharging their statutory duties.