The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has raised concerns over increasing threats posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near the Babanna border in Niger State, warning that the group’s activities endanger national security and disrupt customs operations.
Speaking through Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command on Wednesday, Adeniyi disclosed that customs officers narrowly escaped an ambush by suspected ISWAP fighters after intercepting 500 jerricans of petrol allegedly being smuggled to terrorists.
“ISWAP operatives are active in the Babanna border area, just as Lakurawa bandits are in Kebbi and Boko Haram controls the Borno axis,” he said. “These are non-Nigerians living among us. Citizens must remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.”
To strengthen surveillance, aerial monitoring equipment has been deployed, and the Customs chief emphasized the importance of enhanced collaboration with other security agencies. He also recalled a tragic incident where three customs officers were killed in a surprise attack in Kebbi State.
The Area Controller for Niger/Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, reported that the seized fuel—intercepted at Kabe/Tunga Madugu and Babanna/Guazo roads—had a Duty Paid Value of ₦25.9 million. He urged the federal government to provide improved logistics and communication tools to help officers navigate increasing security threats.
The rising activities of terrorist groups in border areas continue to complicate law enforcement operations and raise alarms about the porous nature of Nigeria’s frontiers.
