Pix: Adewale Adeniyi, CG, Nigeria Customs Service

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has lost three of its officers after terrorists attacked them in Bashaka area of Kebbi state, burning their patrol vehicles.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Service.

He specifically decried the activities of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, describing their presence as a serious threat to national security and border operations.

Represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Adeniyi said 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 warned that terrorist groups now operate in border areas of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states, including ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa, some of whom, he claimed, live among local communities. He called on citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.

Earlier, the Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, said 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.

He said the total duty paid value of the seized fuel and the vehicle used for its transportation was N25.9 million, attributing the success to inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.

Chibuoke also appealed for additional logistical support, including patrol vehicles and communication gadgets, to help combat the growing threat, especially in areas now under terrorist influence.