A Nigeria Customs Service officer, identified as DSC S. Muhammad, has been shot dead by suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State, deepening security fears across the North-West.
The fatal attack occurred around midnight on Saturday at the Maje Border Outstation in Bagudo Local Government Area, where armed men stormed the post and opened fire on the officer.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants shot Muhammad at close range before setting his official vehicle ablaze, leaving the scene engulfed in flames. The officer was confirmed dead on the spot.
His remains have been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital in Birnin Kebbi, where preparations for his burial are underway. A senior Customs source said the burial would take place on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.
“It’s a sad day for us,” one Customs officer said. “We live in fear every night. These terrorists attack without warning, and there’s hardly any backup when it happens.”
The attack has caused panic among officers stationed at various border posts, many of whom have now expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity and the lack of adequate protection.
Sources revealed that the Lakurawa terror group, known for its brutal raids on villages and highway ambushes, has intensified attacks along the Kebbi-Niger border corridor, targeting security personnel and civilians.
Customs officers and other border security agencies in Bagudo, Argungu, and Yauri local governments say the escalating threats have made their operations almost impossible.
“The tension is real,” another officer said. “Many of us can’t sleep in our posts anymore. The Lakurawa gang is armed with sophisticated weapons, while we barely have functional patrol vehicles.”
This latest killing adds to a string of deadly assaults across Kebbi in recent months, including raids on police outposts and kidnappings along major highways. Security experts warn that the growing boldness of armed groups like Lakurawa poses a direct threat to national security.
Despite ongoing military operations in the North-West, bandit and terrorist activities continue to spread, particularly in remote border communities with limited surveillance.
Residents and local leaders in Bagudo have appealed to both the federal and state governments to strengthen security patrols and deploy additional troops to vulnerable border settlements.
As of press time, the Nigeria Customs Service has not issued an official statement, but sources say officers have been directed to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement at night.