Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) terrorists, otherwise known as Lakurawa, on Thursday killed three immigration officers at the Bakin Ruwa Immigration checkpoint in Bagudu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Peoples Gazette can authoritatively report.

The terrorists, who attacked the officers at their duty post at about 11 p.m., burnt down the immigration vehicles and carted away the arms and ammunition belonging to the officers.

The officers who fell to the bullets of the deadly non-state actors were Ande Jerry, Audu Hudu, and an immigration officer simply identified as Abbas Major.

The Gazette learnt that the State Security Service (SSS) had earlier informed the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and other security agencies of impending attacks on security outposts or bases at Kamba and Bagudu LGAs of Kebbi State by the Lakurawa terrorist group.

“Intel further has it that the terrorists are particularly targeting NIS and NCS outposts, ostensibly to cart away Arms and use same in advancing their act of terror. In view of the above, it is advised that extra vigilance be exercised, aimed at denying them freedom of action, and frustrating their evil intention, please,” the intelligence report which The Gazette learned emanated from the SSS had said.

The Gazette learned that there is an attempted cover-up by the leadership of the Nigerian Immigration Service led by Kemi Nandip. Over 24 hours after the incident that led to the death of three of the service’s officers, the NIS is yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

This incident and other similar ones have weakened the morale of immigration officers, who now fear for their lives while on duty.

Immigration sources also told our correspondent that the Kebbi incident was not the first brutal attack that has led to the deaths of their colleagues in recent months.

“This is not the first time that terrorists are attacking and killing Immigrations and Customs officers at the borders, and our bosses, especially the CG is not saying or doing anything about it,” a source said.

“The terrorists attack almost all our checkpoints from time to time. They’ve attacked and killed our officers at the checkpoints and borders in the North-West, North-East, North-Central, South-East, and South-South in recent months. Only our South-West borders seem safe,” another officer revealed.

“The news came to us as a rude shock! The Service commiserates with the families of these gallant officers who have paid the supreme price in the course of their lawful duties,” Immigration spokesperson, Akinsola Akinlabi, said when contacted on WhatsApp.