The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed the killing of three of its officers in a deadly ambush by terrorists in Bashaka, Kebbi State.
The attackers not only gunned down the officers but also set their patrol vehicles ablaze in what is now being described as one of the most alarming acts of violence against border enforcement agents in recent times.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the disclosure during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Service.
Represented by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Adeniyi painted a grim picture of rising insecurity along Nigeria’s borders, particularly highlighting the increasing presence of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to Ejibunu, the customs officers were taken by surprise in the Bashaka area where the terrorists launched a sudden attack, opening fire and setting their vehicles on fire.
He explained that the NCS operatives had also narrowly escaped another ambush after intercepting 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border. The fuel was suspected to be headed to terrorist groups and armed bandits operating in the region.
Adeniyi emphasized that the link between smuggling and terrorism is growing stronger, pointing out that many terrorist groups receive fuel supplies through these illegal channels, which then empower them to carry out attacks against innocent citizens and security forces alike.
He called for improved collaboration with other security agencies and urged customs personnel to stay alert and responsive to emerging threats.
To enhance operations, Adeniyi announced the procurement of aircraft and aerial surveillance tools to support border patrols. He expressed concern that terrorist elements such as ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa now operate openly in the border regions of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states.
He further warned that some of these militants are even living among local communities, and he called on residents to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, confirmed that the seized PMS and additional drums of fuel were recovered at high-risk smuggling routes including Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road and Dekara/Gidan Zana Road.
The total duty paid value of the confiscated fuel and the vehicle used was put at ₦25.9 million. Chibuoke credited the operation's success to active collaboration with other agencies and local communities.
However, he appealed for more logistical support, including additional patrol vehicles and modern communication equipment, to tackle the growing threats along the border.
As terrorists continue to exploit Nigeria’s porous borders, the tragic loss of three brave customs officers serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen national security and protect those who risk their lives daily to keep the nation safe.