Terrorists have claimed the lives of three brave officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a deadly ambush that occurred in the Bashaka area of Kebbi State. The attackers also destroyed patrol vehicles, leaving devastation behind.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the heartbreaking incident during his working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command. Represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Adeniyi expressed grave concerns over the rising threat posed by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) at the Babanna border in Niger State.
“These officers were caught off-guard. Their attackers shelled them, set their vehicles ablaze, and opened fire,” Ejibunu revealed.
In another near-tragic encounter, customs operatives narrowly escaped an ambush by ISWAP militants after intercepting 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Authorities believe the smugglers were supplying fuel to terrorist groups and armed bandits, giving them the resources to move freely and launch attacks.
The Customs chief called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and encouraged officers to remain vigilant. He also disclosed that the Service had recently acquired aircraft and aerial surveillance technology to boost border patrol operations.
“It may shock you to know that many of these terrorists are empowered by fuel smuggled into their hands. Without it, their movements and attacks would be limited,” Adeniyi stated.
He further warned that insurgent groups like ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa now operate in border areas across Niger, Kebbi, and Borno States. Some members, he said, even blend in with local communities. He appealed to citizens to promptly report any suspicious behavior to security forces.
Pascal Chibuoke, the Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, added that the seized fuel products and drums were recovered from flashpoints along Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road and Dekara/Gidan Zana Road. The total duty paid value of the confiscated items and the vehicle used was estimated at N25.9 million.
He credited the operation’s success to teamwork between security agencies and local community members. Chibuoke also emphasized the urgent need for more patrol vehicles and communication tools to help officers secure volatile regions.
We must not remain silent. Join the fight against terrorism by staying alert and reporting suspicious activities.
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