Kehinde Fajobi
The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2, responsible for the South-West zone, has intercepted six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges during a routine patrol near the Okerete-Ododo bush path along the Oyo State-Benin Republic border.
According to Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, the JBPT Coordinator, the weapons were concealed in sacks of cassava flour and hidden in a Toyota Camry Saloon car.
Speaking in Lagos, he highlighted the team’s ongoing commitment to tackling cross-border crimes.
Shuaibu said, “On December 3, 2024, a patrol team sighted a man fleeing from a stationary Toyota Camry Saloon car along the Okerete-Ododo bush path. His suspicious actions prompted the interception of the vehicle.
“Upon inspection, six pump-action rifles with serial numbers 602-H22YT641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084 were discovered, alongside 1,125 live cartridges concealed in sacks of cassava flakes.”
The coordinator revealed that since the operation’s launch in August 2019, the team has seized goods worth ₦36.7 billion, intercepted 1,507 illegal immigrants, and generated over ₦1.1 billion in revenue through auction sales of confiscated items.
He stated, “The operation, formerly codenamed ‘Operation Swift Response,’ was inaugurated on August 20, 2019, to address challenges such as the smuggling of small arms, illicit drugs, and other contraband.
“Through the dedication of JBPT Sector 2, significant successes have been achieved, including the seizure of 130,954 bags of foreign rice, 5.5 million litres of petrol, 11,322 cartons of frozen products, and 15 pump-action rifles.”
Shuaibu praised the team for their commitment, saying, “I am honoured to lead a courageous team dedicated to securing our borders.
“Your bravery and professionalism have been instrumental in suppressing smuggling and intercepting illegal activities.”
He also expressed gratitude to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stating, “Their leadership and logistical support have been pivotal to our success in combating cross-border crimes.”