Three of our Officers shot dead by gunmen their Vehicles set on fire – Customs Comptroller–General

Three of our Officers shot dead by gunmen their Vehicles set on fire – Customs Comptroller–General

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has disclosed a recent attack in Kebbi State that claimed the lives of three customs officers and resulted in the loss of official vehicles.
He also expressed deep concern over the increasing activities of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) around the Babanna border area in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, labeling their presence as a major threat to border security and patrol efforts.
Adeniyi revealed that customs personnel narrowly escaped an ambush by ISWAP operatives after they intercepted and confiscated petrol—locally known as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)—from smugglers at the Babanna border. Intelligence suggests that these smugglers are part of a supply chain providing fuel to terrorists and armed bandits.
The Comptroller General made these remarks during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service. He was represented by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, who also serves as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind.
Adeniyi urged officers to maintain a high level of alertness and readiness to confront possible terrorist threats. He emphasized the need for stronger coordination with other security agencies to bolster border patrol efforts and curb the smuggling of petroleum products and crude oil.
To reinforce operations, he announced that the service has acquired aircraft and aerial surveillance tools to enhance the effectiveness of ground patrol missions.

“Three of our officers were recently killed in Bashaka, Kebbi State. They were given a surprise attack. They shelled them, burnt their vehicles and shot at all of them. Three officers died.
“ISWAPS are the ones operating at Babanna/Benin Republic Border in Borgu LGA of Niger State just as we have the Lakurawas along the other side while at Borno axis, we have the Boko Haram. So, we have all these people terrorizing the country and they are not Nigerians but they live in our midst. That is why I always emphasise on the need for citizens to report suspicious people to law enforcement agencies.

“The day our officers went out on patrol during which these 500 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit popularly know as petrol were confiscated, at Babanna, just by whiskers they escaped from ISAWAP people. So, all we need now is concrete intelligence to enable those saddled with the responsibility of exterminating these terrorist groups take effective actions”, he said.
He said the Customs Service had continued to work in collaboration with sister security agencies to put a stop to smuggling of crude across borders.
“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 to attack citizens.

“From intelligence, we have gathered that some terrorists are within the Border between Niger State and Benin at Babanna Benin Republic Border. Therefore, we need absolute vigilance; do not sleep with your two eyes closed. Some other time, some officers were attacked. Just the very day I went to Kebbi, to do similar showcasing, on our way back, our officers were attacked at one of the borders and they were killed by Lakurawa. So, don’t be jittery; be vigilant,” he added.

Earlier, the Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Area Command, Pascal Chibuoke, reported that 500 jerricans and two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were confiscated at various smuggling hotspots near the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area. These locations included Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road, Kabe/Kigbra Road, Dekara/Gidan Zana Road, and Babanna/Guazo Road. The operation also led to the seizure of the vehicles used in transporting the fuel.

Chibuoke revealed that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted fuel and the accompanying vehicle amounted to N25.9 million. He credited the successful interception to effective collaboration with other security agencies and the support of local communities.

“I am not unaware of the shortage of manpower in the service generally. However, if the officers at my disposal have the required logistics in terms of new patrol vehicles attached with communication gadgets, it will go a long way in reducing the menace, especially with the terrorist group operating in Babana axis now,” he said.