The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed the killing of three officers by suspected Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Kebbi State. The ambush occurred in the Bashaka area, where the attackers opened fire, killing the officers and burning their patrol vehicles.
During a visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi represented by ACG Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu raised concern over the growing threat of ISWAP at the Babanna border in Niger State. He emphasized the dangers posed by smuggled fuel, which he said is enabling terrorist movements.
Adeniyi revealed that customs officers had narrowly escaped another ISWAP ambush after intercepting 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), allegedly meant for terrorists and bandits.
The NCS chief urged stronger inter-agency cooperation and called on citizens to report suspicious activity, noting that some terrorists live among local communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states.
Pascal Chibuoke, the Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, disclosed that the intercepted fuel and transport vehicle were valued at ₦25.9 million. He credited community cooperation for the operation’s success and appealed for more patrol equipment and communication tools to boost security efforts.