After three weeks of operation, the newly inaugurated joint border patrol code-named ‘Operation Swift Respone’ by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has made some arrests and seizure of produce and goods.
The Nigerian Custom Service hinted that about 100 illegal immigrants have so far been arrested, while large seizures of food produce and goods of all kinds have also been made.
According to a press release signed by DC Joseph Attah, Public Relations Officer of NCS, quoting Comptroller-General of Customs said large numbers of seizures and arrests have been made from the four sectors of the Command in the North West, North Central, South West, and South South geopolitical zones.
“As at 10 September 2019, 100 illegal migrants have been arrested while seizures so far include: 8,360-50kg bags of parboiled foreign rice; 122 bags of fertilizer; 77 vehicles; 781 drums filled with PMS as well as 16,371 empty 200 litres drums to be used for smuggling PMS; 1,491 packs of assorted drugs; three outboard 40HP Engines; 13 cotonou boats; 185 drums of groundnut oil; 6 trucks; 114 motorcycles; among other items with 117 suspects.
“As part of the efforts to sustain the rigorous patrol along the national borderlines, the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), Comptroller General of Immigration, Mohammed Babandade and the Coordinator of the exercise, Brig Gen Emmanuel Aliyu Ndagi have commenced an on the spot assessment of the implementation and compliance of the ongoing border security drills,” the report added.
Politicos reports that the joint border patrol exercise which was put in place recently was aimed at securing and strengthening borders, boost national economy and create a conducive environment for local businesses to thrive.
