The actions of the Islamic State West Africa Province near the Babanna border in Niger State have alarmed Bashir Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to Adeniyi, the actions pose a major risk to customs duties and security.
This was said by the Customs chief during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command on Wednesday, who was accompanied by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu.
He claimed that after stopping 500 jerricans of gasoline being smuggled to suspected terrorists, customs inspectors recently managed to avoid an ambush by ISWAP members.”These are non-Nigerians living among us, and citizens must report suspicious activities,” he said, adding that “ISWAP operatives are active in the Babanna border area, just as Lakurawa bandits are in Kebbi and Boko Haram controls the Borno axis.”
He emphasized the necessity of closer coordination with other security authorities and disclosed that aerial monitoring equipment had been placed in the region.
He also recalled the sudden attack in Kebbi State that killed three customs officers.
Pascal Chibuoke, the Area Controller for Niger/Kogi, stated that the confiscated fuel, valued at N25.9 million in Duty Paid Value, was found in locations such as the Babanna/Guazo and Kabe/Tunga Madugu roads.
In light of the growing terrorist danger, Chibuoke urged for improved communication and logistics support to enable officers to patrol more successfully.
About The Author
