The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT), Sector 2, South-West, Lagos, has foiled 280 suspected cases of human trafficking and intercepted 130,954 bags of foreign rice (50kg), equivalent to 218 truckloads in Oyo State between August 20, till date.

The JBPT Sector 2, which focuses on monitoring border corridors with neighbouring countries, revealed to journalists that the team also intercepted six pump-action rifles and 1,125 live cartridges concealed in sacks of cassava flakes in a stationary Toyota Camry along the Okerete-Ododo bush path in Oyo State.

The Coordinator of JBPT Sector 2, Deputy Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, who stated this at the customs training college in Ikeja, Lagos, revealed the serial numbers of the seized rifles to include, 602-H22YT-641, 602-H22YT-397, 602-H22YT-623, 22-MT-0238, P537916, and T051084.

He explained that the patrol team became suspicious after spotting a man fleeing from the stationary vehicle along the bush path, noting that upon inspection, the abandoned car was found to contain the concealed firearms.

Shuaibu provided a summary of other items seized by the JBPT Sector 2 between August 20, 2024, and now, including 15 additional pump-action rifles, 7,200 kilograms of pangolin scales and 5,575,020 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Other are 11,322 cartons of foreign frozen products, 4,124 bales of used clothing, 4,057 kegs of vegetable oil, 480 vehicles and 1,190 other means of conveyance.

Shuaibu acknowledged that the JBPT Sector 2 has faced operational challenges but emphasised that collaboration with critical stakeholders, innovative problem-solving, and effective leadership have allowed the team to overcome obstacles.

He credited the team’s determination and sacrifices in combating cross-border crimes for its significant achievements, including the seizure of goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N36.7 billion and the interception of 1,507 irregular immigrants.

He also highlighted the team’s contribution to the Federal Government’s revenue through auction sales, noting that N1.14 billion had been remitted to the Federation Account from the sale of seized petroleum products.

These efforts, he added, enhanced national security by disrupting illicit supply chains with security implications.