Gunmen suspected to be members of the Lakurawa criminal group have killed two Customs officers and a civilian in a deadly attack at the Bachaka border in Argungu Local Government Area, Kebbi State. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has raised concerns about the escalating violence in the region.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the attack and the deaths of the two yet-to-be-identified Customs officers, along with a local resident from Bachaka village. The police disclosed that the exact command under which the officers were serving remains unclear, as the Customs Service operates with multiple units and commands across the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, the assailants launched a coordinated attack on the border post, resulting in the tragic deaths of the officers and the civilian. While the identities of the victims were not immediately disclosed, the incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by law enforcement officers and civilians in the region.
SP Abubakar confirmed that investigations were underway, but as of the time of the report, no further details about the attackers or their motives had been provided. The police have also indicated that efforts to reach the Kebbi Customs Command for a statement were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesman could not be contacted.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, visited the scene to assess the situation and reassure the public that the security forces would continue their operations despite the assault. CP Sani described the attack as a desperate act by criminals who were being weakened by ongoing military and law enforcement operations in the region.
“These sporadic assaults are signs of desperation from weakened criminal elements who are facing sustained military and law enforcement operations aimed at eliminating them,” CP Sani said in a statement.
The police commissioner emphasized that the attack would not deter the security forces in their efforts to restore peace and order to the region. He also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and pledged that the authorities would continue to work hard to ensure the safety of both civilians and law enforcement officers.
This attack on Tuesday is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Kebbi State, which has witnessed an increase in attacks by criminal groups in recent months. Just 24 hours before this incident, combined security forces had neutralized two suspected Lakurawa criminals in the state. This development highlights the ongoing battle between criminal groups, particularly the Lakurawa, and law enforcement agencies working to curb their activities.
The Lakurawa group, which is believed to be involved in various criminal activities, including cattle rustling, kidnapping, and armed robbery, has been a major security threat in Kebbi and surrounding states. The group has been known for their use of violence to carry out attacks on both civilians and security personnel. The recent attacks on Customs officers are seen as part of the group’s continued efforts to challenge the authority of the Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies in the region.
In response to the growing insecurity, both military and law enforcement agencies have stepped up their operations in Kebbi State, with several joint operations aimed at neutralizing criminal elements and restoring peace to the region. The Nigerian Army, alongside the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, has been conducting regular raids on suspected hideouts of criminal groups, including the Lakurawa.
The coordinated efforts have led to the arrest and neutralization of several suspected criminals, but these groups have continued to launch sporadic attacks on security personnel and civilians. Despite these setbacks, security forces remain committed to their mission to eliminate these criminal elements and ensure the safety of local communities.
The recent killing of two Customs officers and a civilian has further fueled concerns about the safety of law enforcement personnel, especially those working in remote areas such as the Bachaka border. The attacks have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the current security measures in the region and the need for additional resources and strategies to combat the growing threat of criminal groups.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community in Bachaka, where residents have expressed fear for their safety. Many locals have criticized the ongoing insecurity in the area, citing the frequent attacks on both civilians and security personnel.
“We are living in constant fear. The gunmen come and go as they please. There is no peace, and no one is safe,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “We need more security to protect us from these criminals.”
In addition to the increased violence, the residents also voiced concerns about the lack of adequate law enforcement presence in the area, particularly along the border where such criminal groups are known to operate. They called on the government to provide more support to security agencies and ensure that the perpetrators of such attacks are brought to justice.
The tragic deaths of the Customs officers and the civilian have once again highlighted the growing security challenges in Kebbi State and the wider northwest region of Nigeria. While the Nigerian government has continued to deploy security forces to combat criminal groups, the persistence of violence raises concerns about the effectiveness of current measures and the need for more comprehensive strategies to tackle the issue.