- APF Nepal will deploy plain-clothes Border Interaction Teams at major border points to curb smuggling, human trafficking, and cross-border crimes.
- Teams of four to five officers will be stationed at ten key locations, including Birgunj and Sunauli, under sub-inspector leadership.
- This intelligence-driven strategy focuses on gathering data, monitoring suspicious activities, and improving coordination with local communities and Indian counterparts.
- The initiative awaits Ministry approval to replace conventional patrols with more effective, community-oriented security measures.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal is set to deploy plain-clothes personnel at major border points under a new intelligence-led strategy aimed at curbing smuggling, human trafficking, and other cross-border crimes.
The initiative, known as the Border Interaction Team (BIT), is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs after the finalisation of operational guidelines, according to APF spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General Netra Bahadur Karki.
Each team, led by a Sub-Inspector or Assistant Sub-Inspector, will consist of four to five officers and will be deployed at 10 key border points, including Kakarbhitta, Birgunj, Sunauli, and Gaddachauki.
APF Inspector General Narayan Dutta Poudyal said the programme aims to make border security more intelligence-driven and community-oriented. Officials said the move comes after conventional patrols proved ineffective in controlling organised cross-border crime.
The plain-clothes teams will gather intelligence, monitor suspicious activities, coordinate with local communities and Indian counterparts, and support enforcement operations when required.
APF officials expressed confidence that the initiative will strengthen efforts to control smuggling, revenue leakage, and human trafficking while improving coordination with border communities.
