The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has revealed how suspected terrorists attacked and killed three customs officers in Kebbi State. The officers were ambushed, their vehicles set on fire, and they were shot dead during a border patrol operation.
Speaking during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the service, Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, said the attackers were believed to be linked to the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). He described the incident as a tragic loss and a serious threat to Nigeria’s border security.
The attack occurred in the Bashaka area of Kebbi State, where the customs officers were carrying out anti-smuggling operations. According to Ejibunu, the officers were caught by surprise, and the attackers shelled and burnt their patrol vehicles before opening fire. Three officers lost their lives in the attack.
Ejibunu raised alarm over ISWAP’s growing presence along the Babanna/Benin Republic border in Borgu Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. He said the group, along with other terrorist cells like Boko Haram and the Lakurawa, has made border patrols more dangerous and complicated.
“These terrorists are not Nigerians, but they live among us,” Ejibunu said. “They are the ones operating at Babanna border. We need the public to help by reporting any suspicious individuals or activities to security agencies.”
He disclosed that customs officers narrowly escaped another ambush by ISWAP members while seizing 500 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from smugglers at the Babanna border.
“These smugglers are the ones supplying fuel to terrorists and bandits, giving them the power to move and carry out attacks across Nigeria,” he said.
Ejibunu stressed the need for solid intelligence and stronger inter-agency cooperation to tackle the growing security challenges at Nigeria’s borders. He noted that the customs service has recently acquired aircraft and aerial surveillance equipment to assist ground operations and improve response times during emergencies.
“This is a war we must win,” he added. “Our officers are committed, but they need better tools and support to stay ahead of the threats.”
He also warned officers to stay alert at all times and to not let their guard down. “Do not sleep with both eyes closed,” he said. “We have been attacked before, and it could happen again. You must always be vigilant.”
Earlier, the Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Area Command, Comptroller Pascal Chibuoke, gave more details about the seizures. He said the 500 jerricans and two drums of PMS were intercepted from smugglers at several locations in Borgu LGA. These included Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road, Kabe/Kigbra Road, Dekara/Gidan Zana Road, and Babanna/Guazo Road.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items, including the vehicle used in their transportation, was N25.9 million.
Chibuoke said the success of the operation was due to the strong collaboration between customs officers, other security agencies, and local communities. He added that the command continues to face manpower challenges, but that improved logistics and communication equipment would help officers perform better.
“If our officers are equipped with more patrol vehicles and communication tools, it will greatly reduce the smuggling and the threat from terrorist groups,” Chibuoke said.
The Nigerian Customs Service has been actively fighting the smuggling of petroleum products and other contraband items across the country’s borders. These activities not only damage the economy but also pose serious security risks, as many of the smuggled goods end up in the hands of criminal groups.
Smuggling of petrol, in particular, has been a major concern for the government. Terrorists and bandits often rely on black market fuel to move their vehicles and launch attacks in remote areas. Customs officials believe cutting off this supply is key to weakening the operational strength of these groups.
The Comptroller General called on all Nigerians to support the efforts of security agencies by sharing credible information and cooperating with law enforcement.
“As long as smugglers continue to supply fuel to terrorists, we will remain vulnerable. We must all join hands to stop this,” Ejibunu said.
The Nigeria Customs Service says it remains committed to its mandate of securing the country’s borders and supporting national security. Despite the challenges, officials say they are determined to continue operations and adapt to the evolving threats posed by terrorist groups in border areas.
The attack in Kebbi and the rising threat along the Niger-Benin border are a stark reminder of the dangers faced by frontline officers. The service has promised to honour the fallen officers and provide support to their families.
“Those who died in the line of duty are heroes,” Ejibunu concluded. “We will not forget them, and we will continue the fight they started.”
