AN officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was reportedly killed while another was abducted on Thursday, 25 July 2024 when gunmen stormed an area Command of the Service in Kebbi State.
Assistant Superintendent Customs 1, Dabo Umar lost his life while Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba Kabiru was abducted.
The hoodlums, according to the Command’s Public Relations Officer (CPRO), SC Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, first attacked the Koko Besse patrol base at about 9:00 pm and destroyed several valuable items.
He said the attack was palpably in protest over the recent boost to anti-smuggling activities in the area.
“The armed men, after unleashing mayhem to the patrol base, trailed and attacked two of our officers; shot one and abducted the other. Unfortunately, Assistant Superintendent Customs 1, Dabo Umar lost his life while Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba Kabiru was abducted”, the CPRO said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the remains of Dabo had been retrieved and conveyed to Kaduna for burial, in accordance with Islamic rites, while a manhunt had been launched for the evil perpetrators.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has in the meantime commiserated with family members of the deceased and prayed for the release of the abducted officer.
“We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the affected officer and the deceased“, the statement added.
The Command further stated that the unfortunate incident would not deter its officers and men, in collaboration with other Customs units and agencies of government, from performing its statutory functions in the best interest of Nigerians.
Eighteen-Eleven Media