TERRORISTS MURDER THREE CUSTOMS OFFICERS SET PATROL VEHICLES ABLAZE IN KEBBI
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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed that three of its officers were killed by terrorists in Kebbi State, with their patrol vehicles set ablaze during the assault.
This was revealed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command.
Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs for Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, also warned about the growing threat posed by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, calling it a significant danger to both national security and border control efforts.
He added that the officers were ambushed in the Bashaka area of Kebbi State.
“Three of our officers were recently killed in Bashaka, Kebbi State,” he said.
“They were taken by surprise as the attackers shelled them, burnt their vehicles, and opened fire on all of them,” he further stated.
He added that customs operatives narrowly escaped another ambush by ISWAP militants after seizing 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border. The smugglers were suspected of supplying fuel to terrorists and armed bandits.
Adeniyi stressed the need for enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and urged officers to remain vigilant amid rising threats.
He noted that aircraft and aerial surveillance equipment had been procured to support patrol operations along the borders.
“It would interest you to know that most of these bandits attacking us get their fuel through smugglers, giving the adversaries the power to move around and attack citizens,” he said.
He cautioned that terrorist groups, including ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa are now active in border regions of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states, with some members reportedly living within local communities. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious behavior to security agencies.
Meanwhile, Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, reported the interception of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and two drums of fuel at key smuggling routes in the Babanna border area, such as Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road and Dekara/Gidan Zana Road.
He revealed that the seized items and the vehicle used for transport had a combined duty-paid value of ₦25.9 million, crediting the operation’s success to strong inter-agency cooperation and support from local communities.
Chibuoke also requested additional resources, including patrol vehicles and communication equipment, to strengthen efforts against rising threats in terrorist-affected areas.
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