Armed bandits have attacked a Customs checkpoint along the Luma–Babana Road in Niger State, killing one officer during a confrontation over fuel smuggling.
Zagazola Makama a security analyst disclosed on X formerly Twitter, that the clash began after Customs operatives intercepted suspected informants and food suppliers linked to bandit groups, who were transporting jerry cans of fuel on motorcycles through Luma Audu Fari-Kuka village.
In retaliation, the bandits stormed the checkpoint and opened fire, killing one of the officers identified as Suleiman, a Customs camp assistant from New Bussa.
His remains were later taken to the General Hospital in New Bussa for autopsy.
According to Makama, the area has since been secured by security personnel, while efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers believed to have fled into nearby forests.
A security source confirmed that “the surrounding areas are now calm and under control as patrols have been intensified to prevent further attacks.”