Gunmen attack Kebbi Customs base, kill one officer, abduct other

The Nigeria Customs Service Base in Koko-Basse Town in Kebbi State last weekend came under attack by unknown gunmen who attacked the base, killed one officer, and kidnapped another officer.

In a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Salisu Suleiman Muhammad, and made available to newsmen on Monday, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) expressed concern about the ugly incident in Kebbi State Area Command and announced the sad incident on Monday.

“A group of armed men attacked the patrol base, destroying properties and targeting officers in response to the recent boost to anti-smuggling activities in the area.”

“The Armed Men, after causing mayhem to the patrol base, trailed and attacked two of our officers; they shot one and abducted the other.

“Unfortunately, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Dabo Umar lost his life, while Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba Kabiru was abducted and still in the hands of his abductors.

The deceased officer’s corpse, according to him, was retrieved from the hideout of thin hoodlums and conveyed to Kaduna, his home state, for burial according to Islamic rites.

The Customs image maker stated that a manhunt has been launched for the killers and abductors of the officers, adding that the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and prays for the release of the abducted officer.

“We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the affected officer and the deceased.”

“It is pertinent to state that this unfortunate incident will not deter officers and men of NCS Kebbi Area Command, in collaboration with other customs units and agencies of government, from performing our statutory functions in the best interest of Nigerians,” he said.

ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• Aug 1: Presidency cannot stop Nigerians from protesting — Ajuri Ngelale

• ICYMI: Ndi Nne gets immunity after winning BBNaija’s custodian challenge

• NIN-SIM linkage: Telcos bar mobile lines ahead of July 31 deadline

• Security tightened at borders, FG orders close surveillance

• ECOWAS protocol, border complexities challenges to Nigeria’s security — CDS

• have no cabal in my govt — Tinubu

• Ballot capable of solving Nigeria’s woes, not protest — Kwankwaso