Terrorist Attack In Kebbi: Two Customs Officers And A Local Resident Fall Victim

Tragic Loss in Kebbi: Gunmen Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists Strike

It’s a story that hits hard. Gunmen believed to be linked to the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group have claimed the lives of two officers from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and a local resident in Bachaka, a small border community nestled in the Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. This shocking event sends shockwaves through the community and highlights the ongoing struggle against terror in the region.

Official confirmation of the attack came in a statement released on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Nafiu Abubakar. The grim news leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the identities of the fallen customs officers and their specific units within the NCS. Despite the tragedy, the authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the people of Kebbi.

Details of the Attack and Security Response

Abubakar revealed that the attack occurred on Tuesday, though further details about the officers’ affiliations remain murky. Speaking directly, he stated, “Yes, there was an attack, which resulted in the killing of two yet-to-be-identified Customs officers and one native of Bachaka village.” The statement paints a grim picture but underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security measures in the area.

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Kebbi State’s Commissioner of Police, Sani Bello, personally inspected the attack site and reiterated the resolve of the security forces. Bello emphasized that the recent actions by the assailants reflect a decline in their capabilities, thanks to the relentless efforts of the security agencies. This attack comes just a day after joint security forces successfully eliminated two Lakurawa terrorists in the same state, proving that progress is being made in the fight against terror.

Operation SAFE HAVEN: Justice Served for Father Okechukwu

Amid the tragedy in Kebbi, there is a glimmer of hope in Kaduna. Troops from Sector 7 of the Special Task Force, codenamed Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), have apprehended the suspected killers of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a beloved Catholic cleric from Tachira Village in Kaduna State’s Kaura Local Government Area. The arrest marks a significant victory in the pursuit of justice for Father Okechukwu and his grieving community.

According to a statement from OPSH Media Officer, Major Samson Zhakom, the suspects were nabbed during a daring raid on the hideout of the prime suspect in the Ruga settlement, located in Warsa-Piti Village, Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The primary suspect, a 33-year-old named Pate Yau, confessed under interrogation that he had been hired by Douglas Henry, a fellow resident of the same house as the slain priest, to carry out the heinous crime.

Further Developments in the Case

In a follow-up operation, the security forces also arrested Henry at Agwan Sariki Tachira in Kaura LGA. Both suspects are now in custody and undergoing further questioning. The operation not only sheds light on the tragic events surrounding Father Okechukwu’s kidnapping and murder but also demonstrates the dedication of the security forces in bringing those responsible to justice.

Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, the parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tachira, was abducted from his home on March 4, 2025, around 9:40 pm. The following day, Ash Wednesday, his body was discovered, leaving the community heartbroken and demanding accountability. The arrest of these suspects is a crucial step toward closure and healing for all those affected by this horrific act.