The Comptroller FOU ‘B’ Musa Ibrahim Jalo has expressed grave worry on the constant attacks on its officials, warning that any additional attacks on customs officials would be faced with ferocious opposition, stressing that a directive had been granted for a thorough investigation to find and capture those responsible for the attacks.
In two separate events this week, suspected bandits and smugglers launched violent attacks, killing two customs officers and injuring another, leaving customs officers in Kebbi and Katsina States in a state of shock.
No matter whose ox is gored, the unit’s members will continue to carry out their duty, said Jalo against any continued attacks on customs officials.
The traditional leaders, civic leaders, and parents in the impacted communities were also urged by the customs area controllers to warn their people against engaging in such heinous behaviour since those who are found will suffer the repercussions.
In a joint effort to ensure the safety and security of the country, they also invited members of the public to provide any information they may have about alleged criminals and smugglers to help maintain law and order. They also promised informants absolute secrecy.
On August 24, 2023, in Kebbi State, Mubarak Mustapha, the acting public relations officer for the Kebbi Area Command, ASC II, disclosed that while customs officers from the Kebbi Area Command were conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Bunza, Dakingari, and Koko Road, suspected bandits in an ash-colored Toyota Corolla ambushed them and started shooting sporadically.
Alhaji Kabiru Shehu, a customs inspector, and Abdullahi Muhammad, a second-class customs assistant, died in the attack.
On August 23, a different incident occurred, according to SC Isah Sulaiman, the Customs Public Relations Officer for Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ (FOU ‘B’) Kaduna. He revealed that while on patrol in the Dankama Area, zone operatives were attacked by alleged smugglers.
The assault left an Inspector of Customs, Haruna A. seriously injured and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital
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