The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has raised the alarm over the activities of the Islamic State West Africa Province around the Babanna border in Niger State.
Adeniyi described the activities as a serious threat to security and customs duties.
The Customs boss, represented by Assistant Comptroller General Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, stated this during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command on Wednesday.
He said customs officers recently escaped an ambush by ISWAP members after intercepting 500 jerricans of petrol being smuggled to suspected terrorists.
He stated, “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 revealed that aerial surveillance equipment has been deployed in the area, stressing the need for stronger cooperation with other security agencies.
He also recalled the killing of three customs officers during a surprise attack in Kebbi State.
On his part, the Area Controller for Niger/Kogi, Pascal Chibuoke, said the seized fuel worth N25.9 million in Duty Paid Value was intercepted in places like the Kabe/Tunga Madugu and Babanna/Guazo roads.
Chibuoke called for better logistics and communication support to help officers patrol more effectively amid the rising threat from terrorists.
