Armed bandits on Saturday killed a Nigeria Customs Service officer during a violent clash along the Luma–Babana Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attack occurred after Customs personnel intercepted a group suspected of aiding bandits by transporting fuel in jerry cans on motorcycles. The group was stopped in Luma Audu Fari-Kuka village, a known route often exploited by smugglers and informants working with criminal gangs.
According to sources, the Customs team had earlier seized the fuel from the suspected smugglers, believed to be informants and suppliers to bandit groups operating in remote parts of the state. Not long after, heavily armed bandits launched a retaliatory attack on the checkpoint.
During the ambush, one Customs camp assistant, simply identified as Suleiman from New Bussa, was shot and killed. His body was later taken to the General Hospital in New Bussa for autopsy.
Security officials believe the attackers were linked to one of the armed groups terrorising communities in the area. These groups often rely on local collaborators for the supply of fuel, food, and other essentials, which they use to maintain their hideouts and operations deep in the forests.
The incident highlights the growing danger faced by security agencies in their efforts to disrupt the supply chains that sustain criminal groups, especially in the North Central region where fuel smuggling and banditry are closely connected.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts are being made to track down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the area around the checkpoint is reportedly calm, and patrols have been increased to prevent further attacks.
Residents in the area say smuggling activities have been rampant for years, especially around border communities where fuel, food, and other goods are moved to support bandit camps in hard-to-reach locations.
The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, has been stepping up operations to block these supply routes. However, Saturday’s deadly attack shows the high level of resistance and danger involved in such operations.
