ISWAP terrorists kill 3 Customs officers in Kebbi, burn patrol vehicles

Suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly killed three officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) during an attack in Kebbi State.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the tragic incident during his visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command.

According to Adeniyi, the terrorists also set fire to patrol vehicles used by the Customs officers during their operation.

He condemned the activities of ISWAP in the region, particularly at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which shares a boundary with Kebbi.

Adeniyi who was represented by Hussein Ejibunu, the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, said the officers were killed in Bashaka area of Kebbi State.

“Three of our officers were recently killed in Bashaka, Kebbi State. They were taken by surprise as the attackers shelled them, burnt their vehicles, and opened fire on all of them,” the CG stated.

In addition, he disclosed that operatives of the service also escaped an ambush by terrorists after they successfully seized 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border.

According to the CG, the attackers were smuggling the petroleum products to terrorists and bandits within the area.

He further called for collaboration with sister security agencies while urging officers to remain vigilant amid rising threats.

“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 and attack citizens,” he said.