The anti-smuggling efforts of officers attached to Sector 3 of the Joint Border Operation Drill (JBOD) which covers Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Benue States have yielded results and led to the seizure of 4 Single Barrel Riffles, 1, 643 Bags of rice , 373 Jerry cans of PMS of 25liters, 12 Jerry cans of AGO, 32 Used Vehicles, 4 Bales of Secondhand Clothing and 1 Motorcycle.
Comptroller Olugboyega Peters, who is the Coordinator, Joint Border Drill Operation, North Central Zone, Sector 3 said the exercise Codenamed ‘Exercise SWIFT Response’ the JBOD team which is according to him led by Customs officers also comprises men of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security Services and the National Intelligence Agency.
He added that JBOD is coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) with a view to curtailing smuggling of goods in and out of the country, as well as ensuring compliance with existing ECOWAS trade rules, which will help to boost the nation’s economy and strengthen border security.
JBOD is also according to him saddled with the responsibility of enforcing Federal Government Fiscal Policies on partial border closure.
‘I resumed as the Coordinator of this Sector on the 12th October, 2020, determined to build on the success recorded by my predecessor. In a bid to implement the Federal Government Fiscal Policies on Border closure, all agencies in JBOD have been working together to ensure that no stone is left unturned in tackling all forms of Smuggling, Human trafficking, including proliferation of Arms and Ammunition, control and other prohibited items in and out of the country.
Section 8, 46, 146, 147, 149, 150, 158 and 169 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 of LFN 2004 as amended gives to Customs officers the power of a Police officer; to seize good, Examine, Search Premises, Vehicles, People, Patrol freely and carry out forfeiture of goods respectively.
Section 3 of Customs and excise (special penal and other provision) act Cap 47 of LFN 2004, says being in possession of smuggled items is an offence’ he said.
Peters also submitted that part of the strategies deployed in enforcing the said powers since becoming the Coordinator resulted in the seizure of the cars, riffles, bags of rice and other items.
He listed Kaiama, Chikanda, Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba towns and the Airport road, Ilorin all in Kwara state as locations that have for years now remained hotbeds of smuggling .
He stated readiness of his men to continue the anti-smuggling efforts while declaring that JBOD will ensure there is nowhere to hide for smugglers in the zone.
‘Every effort or tactic applied by them to beat security checks of sector 3 operatives will remain fruitless, as every trick used by smugglers will be uncovered due to our high level of intelligence, systematic monitoring and mechanism put in place to track down these economic saboteurs and their sponsors’ he said.
He urged patriotic Nigerians, especially members of the business communities to consider this as an opportunity to further create an enabling environment for local businesses which will enhance national security, well being of the citizens and economic development.
It will also according to him result in creation of job opportunities, reduction of crime rate and other social vices.
‘The Sector will continue to re-invigorate strategies that will enhance our performance’ he submitted-
Peters also said Retired Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali, who is the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, NSC has commended officers attached to Sector 3 of the Joint Border Operation Drill (JBOD) for their gallant efforts in repelling attack by hoodlums who wanted to set the Customs office, Ilorin ablaze and loot seized goods last month.
‘It is no longer news that during the #EndSARS protests, a criminal attempt was made by hoodlums with the intention to set our office ablaze and loot seized goods. With our resilience, we were able to repel the attack.
I want to use this medium to commend officers and men of Nigeria Customs Service, command, JBOD and all sister security agencies especially the Nigerian Army for showing and demonstrating professionalism during the incident.
I’m happy to inform you today that we have received a letter of commendation from the Comptroller General of Customs and his management team commending us for exhibiting such gallantry, in terms of excellent performance, integrity, high ethical standard, good conduct and unalloyed commitment to the service.
I wish to thank the Comptroller General of Customs Service Comptroller Hameed Ali Ibrahim (rtd) and his management team for this magnanimous feat. To whom much is given much is expected, we promise that we will not disappoint them’ he submitted
