The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has expressed serious concern over the increasing threat posed by the Islamic State West Africa Province at the Babanna border in Niger State.
During a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command on Wednesday, Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, revealed that operatives of ISWAP recently ambushed Customs officers who had intercepted a shipment of 500 jerricans of petrol allegedly meant for insurgents.
“These terrorists are not Nigerians, but they live among us. Citizens must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities,” he stated. “Our officers narrowly escaped the ambush, which shows the extent of the threat we’re dealing with.”
He added that similar threats from other armed groups persist across the region. “While ISWAP is active at Babanna, bandits in Lakurawa, Kebbi State, and Boko Haram in Borno continue to pose significant security risks,” he said.
To counter these threats, Adeniyi disclosed that aerial surveillance has been deployed to monitor the area more effectively, and he emphasized the importance of collaboration with other security agencies.
The Niger/Kogi Area Controller, Pascal Chibuoke, also confirmed the rising threat. He said, “We recently intercepted fuel with a Duty Paid Value of N25.9 million along routes including Kabe/Tunga Madugu and Babanna/Guazo. The need for improved logistics and communication support cannot be overstated.”
Chibuoke urged the government to provide more operational tools to assist customs personnel as they face mounting security challenges from terrorist elements.
The visit and revelations come amid growing concerns over cross-border smuggling and insurgent activities affecting national security and trade enforcement.
