Deadly Ambush: Terrorists Murder Two Customs Officers in Kebbi State

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement on Wednesday through its Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar, stating that the incident occurred on Tuesday. However, the specific unit or formation of the slain officers has not yet been determined.

“Yes, there was an attack that led to the deaths of two yet-to-be-identified Customs officers and a resident of Bachaka village,” Abubakar said.

Visiting the crime scene, Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Sani Bello, reassured the public of security forces’ commitment to tackling criminal activities. He described the attack as an act of desperation, signaling the terrorists’ weakening grip due to intensified security operations.

The killings occurred less than 24 hours after joint security forces neutralized two Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi.

Meanwhile, troops from Sector 7 of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) have apprehended the suspected murderers of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest abducted and killed in Tachira Village, Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

According to OPSH Media Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, the suspects were arrested on Tuesday during a raid at the Ruga settlement in Warsa-Piti Village, Lere LGA, Kaduna State.

During interrogation, the prime suspect, 33-year-old Pate Yau, admitted he was hired by Douglas Henry, a resident of the same house as the murdered priest, to carry out the abduction.

A follow-up operation led to Henry’s arrest in Agwan Sariki Tachira, Kaura LGA. Both suspects are now in custody for further questioning.

Father Okechukwu, who served as the parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tachira, was kidnapped on March 4, 2025, at around 9:40 pm from his residence. His lifeless body was found the following day, March 5, which marked Ash Wednesday.