The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently lost three officers in a terrorist attack in Kebbi State. The officers were ambushed in the Bashaka area, and their patrol vehicles were burnt. This incident highlights the growing threat of terrorism in the region, particularly from groups like the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram, and Lakurawa, who operate in border areas of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Service, represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu.
- The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to combat terrorism.
- The NCS has procured aircraft and aerial surveillance equipment to support patrol operations along the borders.
- Citizens are urged to report suspicious activities to security agencies to aid in the fight against terrorism.
The activities of ISWAP, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups pose a serious threat to national security and border operations.
Some terrorist groups are believed to be living among local communities, making it essential for citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
The officers were ambushed in the Bashaka area of Kebbi State.
“Three of our officers were recently killed in Bashaka, Kebbi State,” Adeniyi said.
“They were taken by surprise as the attackers shelled them, burnt their vehicles, and opened fire on all of them,” he further stated.
ISWAP militants are active at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, posing a serious threat to national security and border operations.
Customs operatives narrowly escaped another ambush by ISWAP militants after seizing 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border, 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.
The NCS has procured aircraft and aerial surveillance equipment 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,” Adeniyi said.
In a similar incident, two customs officers, Abdullahi Mohammed and A.K Shehu, were killed by bandits in Kebbi State while on patrol along Dakingari to Koko road.
The NCS is working to combat the growing threat, especially in areas under terrorist influence ¹.
The seized PMS and two drums of fuel were intercepted at various flashpoints within the Babanna border area, including Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road and Dekara/Gidan Zana Road.
The total duty paid value of the seized fuel and vehicle used for transportation was N25.9 million.
Pascal Chibuoke, Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, attributed the success to inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.
Adeniyi warned that terrorist groups, including ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa, operate in border areas of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states, and called on citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Chibuoke appealed for additional logistical support, including patrol vehicles and communication gadgets, to help combat the growing threat.