ISWAP terrorists kill 3 Customs officers in Kebbi, burn patrol vehicles

Suspected members of the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly killed three officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) during an attack in Kebbi State.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the tragic incident during his visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command.

According to Adeniyi, the terrorists also set fire to patrol vehicles used by the Customs officers during their operation.

He condemned the activities of ISWAP in the region, particularly at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, which shares a boundary with Kebbi.

Adeniyi who was represented by Hussein Ejibunu, the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, said the officers were killed in Bashaka area of Kebbi State.

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“Three of our officers were recently killed in Bashaka, Kebbi State. They were taken by surprise as the attackers shelled them, burnt their vehicles, and opened fire on all of them,” the CG stated.

In addition, he disclosed that operatives of the service also escaped an ambush by terrorists after they successfully seized 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border.

According to the CG, the attackers were smuggling the petroleum products to terrorists and bandits within the area.

He further called for collaboration with sister security agencies while urging officers to remain vigilant amid rising threats.

“It would interest you to know that most of these bandits attacking us get their fuel through smugglers, giving the adversaries the power to move around and attack citizens,” he said.

ISWAP terrorists kill 3 Customs officers in Kebbi, burn patrol vehicles

APC Rep aspirant escapes assassination attempt in Abuja

Hon. Ibraheem Bolarinwa Oyekunle, a 2023 House of Representatives aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reportedly survived a brazen assassination attempt in Abuja.

The terrifying incident occurred on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Gwosa Market along Airport Road, where unidentified armed men launched a direct attack on the Osun-born politician.

Eyewitnesses claim the assailants aimed straight for his head, indicating that the attack may have been premeditated.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Oyekunle recounted the harrowing experience and called for an immediate investigation by the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant security agencies.

The politician, who sustained injuries during the attack, stressed that the attackers made no demand for valuables, instead insisting that he ‘surrender himself’ a detail which, he said, rules out robbery as a motive.

The statement reads: “That evening, I was driving home from the airport towards Lugbe and stopped at Gwosa Market to buy fruits and farm produce from local traders.

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“While shopping, I noticed an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla parked across the road with its number plates concealed using plastic. This struck me as suspicious. A group of men stepped out—some remained by the vehicle, while one walked towards me. He passed very close by, but I initially assumed they might be targeting the traders, not me.

“After completing my purchases, I began walking back to my car when I suddenly heard someone shout: ‘Surrender yourself!’ I turned to see four men pointing guns at me. Ahead of me, another man—part of the same group—was also aiming a gun directly at my head.

“Acting on instinct, I charged at the man in front and knocked him down. This seemed to catch the others off guard, and they immediately started shooting. Every shot was aimed at my head, which confirms to me that this was no random act—it was a calculated attempt to kill.

“I managed to escape by running in the same direction as the traders who were also fleeing. Once the assailants saw I had slipped out of their grasp, they returned to their car and sped off.

“During the chaos, I was injured—a bullet grazed my head, and I sustained wounds to my leg. I was initially treated at Sauka Divine Hospital, where doctors stitched the head wound and tended to my leg injuries. Later, I was transferred to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital (NAF Base), Abuja, for further care and have since been discharged.

“What troubles me most is that the attackers never asked for money, my vehicle, or any possessions. Their only demand was for me to ‘surrender myself’. This strongly suggests the motive was not robbery, but something far more sinister.

“I call on the Inspector-General of Police and all relevant security agencies to launch a thorough investigation. The perpetrators must be brought to justice, and the reason behind this attack must be uncovered. This incident raises serious concerns—not just for my safety, but for the safety of all citizens.

“I thank God for His protection that night. Though the experience has shaken me, it will not deter me from continuing to serve the people of Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade. I remain committed to our shared goals. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved security across our nation.

“I’m deeply grateful to the medical teams at Sauka Divine Hospital and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital for their swift and expert care. I also appreciate the traders and bystanders who offered their help in those critical moments.

“To my constituents and supporters, I want you to know that I am recovering well and remain determined to work tirelessly on your behalf. Let this be a reminder to us all of the importance of unity in confronting violence and insecurity.”

APC Rep aspirant escapes assassination attempt in Abuja

NSCDC arrests seven after finding five illegal oil dumps in Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has discovered five illegal crude oil dumps in the Jahi/Katampe area of Abuja, leading to the arrest of seven individuals suspected to be involved in crude oil theft and illegal distribution.

This development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale.

According to the statement, operatives from the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS) also recovered trucks loaded with stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at the scene.

“One white truck with three compartments fully loaded with 45,000 litres of AGO with an unverifiable waybill seen at the illegal dump, four Mercedes-Benz short peddler trucks, and several other vehicles were impounded,” the corps stated.

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The operation also led to the seizure of numerous exhibits, including pumping machines, hoses of different sizes, a Mikano generator, and approximately 23 surface metallic constructed tanks—some filled with suspected AGO. A container shelter was also among the items recovered.

The NSCDC emphasized its resolve to clamp down on oil theft across the country.

“The arrests made by the CG’s SIS showcased the dedication of the corps to relentlessly crack down on crude oil thieves across the federation,” Babawale said.

He added that the suspects will be prosecuted accordingly “to serve as a deterrent to other criminals.”

NSCDC arrests seven after finding five illegal oil dumps in Abuja