ISWAP threatening our operations at Niger border – Customs

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has described the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near the Babanna/Benin Republic border in Borgu LGA of Niger State as a grave threat to national security and customs operations. During a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command, Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller […]

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has described the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near the Babanna/Benin Republic border in Borgu LGA of Niger State as a grave threat to national security and customs operations.

During a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command, Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, revealed that customs officers narrowly escaped an ISWAP ambush after seizing 500 jerricans of petrol from smugglers allegedly supplying terrorists.

“ISWAP operatives are active in the Babanna border area, just as Lakurawa bandits are in Kebbi and Boko Haram controls the Borno axis. These are non-Nigerians living in our midst, and citizens must report suspicious activities,” he said.

He disclosed that aerial surveillance tools have been deployed and urged closer collaboration with other security agencies.

• Insecurity: Return home from France to take charge, Obi tells Tinubu
• How thousands of Nigerians lost N1.3trn to scam

He recalled that three customs officers were killed in Kebbi State after a surprise attack during operations.

Meanwhile, the Customs Area Controller for Niger/Kogi, Pascal Chibuoke, said the seized fuel-totalling a Duty Paid Value of N25.9 million-was intercepted at flashpoints including Kabe/Tunga Madugu road and Babanna/Guazo road.

Chibuoke appealed for improved logistics and communication tools to enhance patrol efficiency in the face of terrorist threats.