Customs Boss Warns of ISWAP Activities in Niger Border Towns, Urges Heightened Vigilance
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has raised the alarm over the growing threat of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists operating around the Babanna/Benin Republic border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
During a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command, Adeniyi—represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind—disclosed that terrorists’ activities in the area are compromising border patrol efforts and threatening national security.
He revealed that Customs operatives recently escaped a deadly ambush by ISWAP members after seizing 500 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from suspected smugglers believed to be supplying fuel to terrorists and bandits. The incident occurred near Babanna, a border town in Niger State.
“We are dealing with ISWAP at the Babanna/Benin Republic border, the Lakurawas in other axis, and Boko Haram in Borno. These are foreign-backed terrorists hiding within our communities,” Ejibunu stated.
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He recalled a recent tragedy in Kebbi State, where three Customs officers were ambushed and killed by terrorists in Bashaka, their patrol vehicles burned, and the officers shot at close range. “They were caught off guard and paid the ultimate price,” he added.
Emphasizing the link between smuggling and terrorism, Ejibunu called for increased public cooperation and intelligence sharing. “Fuel smuggling sustains these terror groups. Citizens must be vigilant and report strange movements or individuals.”
In response to the growing insecurity, the NCS has deployed aerial surveillance assets to support ground patrols, aiming to disrupt the supply chains that empower criminal groups.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, disclosed that the seized fuel and vehicles used for smuggling had a Duty Paid Value of N25.9 million. He credited the success to joint efforts with other security agencies and local communities.
He, however, decried the lack of manpower and patrol logistics, stressing that improved equipment—especially new patrol vehicles with communication gadgets—would greatly enhance their capacity to combat smuggling and insecurity.
By PRNigeria
