The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, has expressed deep concern over the presence of ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists in the Babanna/Benin Republic border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
He said the presence of the terrorists poses a serious threat to effective border patrol operations.
Mr Adeniyi also revealed how the service lost three of its officers and vehicles to a terrorist attack in Kebbi State.
According to him, Customs officers recently escaped an ambush from ISWAP after seizing Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, commonly known as petrol, from smugglers operating at the Babanna border.
He said the smugglers are believed to be supplying fuel to terrorists and bandits.
Mr Adeniyi disclosed this during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service.
Represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, and National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Hussein Ejibunu, the comptroller-general urged officers to remain vigilant and prepared for possible assaults from terrorists.
He also called for strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure seamless border patrol and combat the smuggling of crude oil across borders.
He disclosed that aircraft and other aerial surveillance equipment have been procured to support ground patrol operations.
“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 known 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 to take effective actions,” Mr Ejibuni said.
Speaking further, he said: “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 in charge of the Niger/Kogi Area Command, Pascal Chibuoke, disclosed that the 500 jerricans and two drums of PMS were seized at different flash points within the Babanna border in Borgu LGA, including Kabe/Tunga Madugu Road, Kabe/Kigbra Road, Dekara/Gidan Zana Road, and Babanna/Guazo Road, along with the means of conveyance.
He stated that the total Duty Paid Value of the seized products and the vehicle used in their transportation was N25.9 million.
He attributed the success to inter-agency collaboration and community engagement.
“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 the Babana axis now,” he said.
