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THREE CUSTOMS OFFICERS KILLED IN ISWAP TERRORIST AMBUSH IN KEBBI

The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the killing of three officers by suspected terrorists in Kebbi State. The ambush occurred in the Bashaka area of Argungu Local Government, where attackers opened fire, killing the officers and burning their patrol vehicles. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by ACG Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, raised concerns over the growing threat of ISWAP at the Babanna border in Niger State. Adeniyi emphasized the dangers posed by smuggled fuel, which enables terrorist movements. He revealed that customs officers narrowly escaped another ISWAP ambush after intercepting 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit valued at ₦25.9 million, allegedly meant for terrorists and bandits. “We urge stronger inter-agency cooperation and call on citizens to report suspicious activity, noting that some terrorists live among local communities in Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states,” Adeniyi said. Pascal Chibuoke, Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Command, credited community cooperation for the operation’s success and appealed for more patrol equipment and communication tools to boost security efforts. The NCS chief highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling security challenges.

US EMBASSY CONDEMNS KILLING OF CATHOLIC PRIEST BY BANDITS

The United States Mission in Nigeria has strongly condemned the brutal and senseless killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Kaduna-based Catholic priest. Okechukwu was abducted from his residence by suspected bandits on Tuesday night, and his corpse was found the next day. “The U.S. Mission is distressed by the brutal and senseless killing of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State, Nigeria. We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence,” the diplomatic mission said in a statement. The US Mission condoled with the family, congregation, and community of Father Okechukwu, saying they have suffered an “immeasurable loss.” The Mission called on the Nigerian government to find and bring the perpetrators to justice, two days after the priest’s death.