Armed men attack Customs patrol base, kill one officer, abduct another

A group of armed men have attacked the Customs patrol base in the Koko Besse area of Kebbi State, killing one officer and abducting another.

Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, who confirmed the incident said the armed men also destroyed properties in contest to the recent boost to anti-smuggling activities in the area.

He said the sad incident occurred on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 2100 hours adding that a manhunt has been launched for the killers and abductors of the officers.

He gave the name of the deceased as Assistant Superintendent Customs I Dabo Umar while Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba Kabiru was abducted.

He said, “A group of Armed men attacked the patrol base, destroying properties and targeting officers in contest 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; shot one and abducted the other. Unfortunately, Assistant Superintendent Customs I Dabo Umar lost his life while Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba Kabiru was abducted.

“The deceased officer’s corpse was retrieved and conveyed to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites.

“While a manhunt has been launched for the killers and abductors of the officers, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Iheanacho Ernest Ojike commiserates with the family of the deceased and prays 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.

“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.”