The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed the death of three of its officers in Kebbi State, following a deadly ambush by terrorists. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed the development during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Service. Represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Adeniyi said the officers were attacked in the Bashaka area of Kebbi State, where their patrol vehicles were also torched.
“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.”
Adeniyi also raised concerns about the growing influence of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), especially in border regions such as the Babanna axis in Niger State’s Borgu Local Government Area. He described the presence of ISWAP as “a serious threat to national security and border operations.”
The customs boss disclosed that officers recently escaped another attempted ambush after intercepting 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which were allegedly destined for terrorists and armed bandits. The seizure occurred at the Babanna border, a hotspot believed to be exploited by insurgent groups for fuel supplies.
“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 stated.
He emphasised the urgent need for enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and warned that terrorist groups, including ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa, now operate freely across parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states. Some, he said, have even integrated themselves into local communities.
Adeniyi urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activities to authorities, stressing that counter-terrorism efforts require public cooperation. He also revealed that the Service had procured aircraft and aerial surveillance tools to strengthen border patrol and deter smuggling activities that support terrorist groups.
Supporting these remarks, Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, detailed recent seizures made at flashpoints like Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road and Dekara/Gidan Zana Road. These included 500 jerricans and two drums of PMS, along with the vehicle used for transportation. The confiscated items had a total duty paid value of ₦25.9 million.
Chibuoke credited the successful interception to improved collaboration between customs, other security agencies, and local communities. However, he appealed for more logistical support, including patrol vehicles and communication devices, to boost efforts in territories where terrorist threats are expanding.
The attack in Kebbi and the growing influence of terrorist factions at border areas reflect the increasing dangers faced by frontline officers and the urgent need for coordinated national security efforts.
