The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed the killing of three of its officers in a deadly ambush by terrorists in Kebbi State, with their patrol vehicles also set ablaze during the attack. The incident occurred in the Bashaka area of Kebbi State, highlighting the growing security challenges faced by customs operatives along Nigeria’s borders.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the attack during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Service. Represented by the Assistant Comptroller General in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Adeniyi described the ambush as a surprise attack where terrorists shelled the officers, opened fire, and burnt their patrol vehicles.
“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.”
The attack underscores the increasing threat posed by terrorist groups, particularly the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), which has been active in border areas including the Babanna axis in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Adeniyi raised alarm over ISWAP’s presence, describing it as a serious threat to national security and border operations.
He revealed that customs officers narrowly escaped another ambush after seizing 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border. The fuel was suspected to be destined for terrorists and armed bandits, providing them with the means to carry out attacks.
“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.
The Customs Service has procured aircraft and aerial surveillance equipment to enhance patrol operations along the borders, aiming to deter smuggling and terrorist activities. Adeniyi emphasized the need for increased collaboration with other security agencies and urged officers to remain vigilant amid rising threats.
He warned that terrorist groups, including ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa bandits, now operate freely across parts of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states. Some of these militants, he claimed, live among local communities, making intelligence gathering and community cooperation vital.
The Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, provided further details on recent seizures, including the 500 jerricans and two drums of PMS intercepted at flashpoints such as Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road and Dekara/Gidan Zana Road. The total duty paid value of the seized fuel and the vehicle used for transportation amounted to ₦25.9 million.
Chibuoke credited the success of these operations to improved inter-agency collaboration and community engagement but appealed for additional logistical support, including more patrol vehicles and communication gadgets, to combat the growing terrorist threat in affected areas.
The attack in Kebbi, coupled with the expanding influence of terrorist factions in border regions, highlights the increasing dangers faced by frontline security officers. It underscores the urgent need for coordinated national security efforts to protect Nigeria’s borders and citizens from insurgent violence and smuggling networks.
