At least three Nigeria Customs Service agents were killed and their patrol vehicles were set on fire in a deadly attack in Kebbi State by terrorists.
According to Persecondnews, the incident highlights the region’s ongoing security issues.
The officers were ambushed by the Terorists who had opened fire on them in the Bashaka region of the state.
“Three of our officers recently perished in Bashaka, Kebbi State,” according to the statement. The Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Service, “They were taken by surprise as the attackers shelled them, burnt their vehicles, and opened fire on all of them.”
Adeniyi, who expressed concern over the Islamic State’s activities at the Babanna border in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, described their presence as a serious threat to national security and effective border operations.
The Assistant Comptroller General, Mr. Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, the customs boss, also disclosed that after seizing 500 jerricans of the smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border, customs operatives had also escaped yet another ambush by ISWAP militants.
The smugglers were suspected of providing armed bandits and terrorists with fuel.
In light of the rising threats, Adeniyi urged police to remain vigilant and stressed the need for enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.
He noted that border patrol operations were supported by the purchase of aircraft and aerial surveillance equipment.
According to him, “It would interest you to know that the majority of these bandits who are attacking us get their fuel from smugglers,” he said.
He warned that ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa, which he claimed are connected to local communities, are now a part of the terrorist networks operating in the border regions of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno. He urged people to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
The seized PMS and two drums of fuel were intercepted at various flashpoints along the Babanna-Gidan Zana Road and Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road, according to Pascal Chibuoke, the customs area controller for the Niger/Kogi Command.
He claimed that inter-agency collaboration and community engagement contributed to the total duty paid value of the seized fuel and the vehicle used for its transportation at N25.9 million.
Source: Per Second News
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