Boko Haram attacks Customs facility, kill officer in Yobe

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have killed a Customs officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Ahmed Usman, during an attack on a Customs facility in Geidam town, Yobe.

National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdulahi Maiwada confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.

He noted that the timely reinforcement from the Nigerian Army, thwarted the attack on the Customs office.

According to the statement, “In a valiant stand against suspected Boko Haram insurgents, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with timely reinforcement from the Nigerian Army, thwarted an attack on the Customs office in Geidam town, Yobe State, demonstrating unwavering courage and resilience against the enemies of the state. The Customs Office faced a formidable threat but was bravely defended, safeguarding the facility and the families of fellow officers and men.

“During this harrowing encounter, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Ahmed Usman, born on April 2, 1983, and a dedicated NCS member since February 24, 2009, tragically paid the ultimate sacrifice. He hailed from Pindiga Town, Akko Local Government Area in Gombe State, leaving behind a grieving wife and five children, three boys and two girls.

“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, alongside the entire NCS fraternity, extends heartfelt condolences to the family of ASC II Ahmed Usman, the NCS Borno/Yobe Area Command, and the Government of Gombe State for the loss of this heroic and devoted individual in the line of duty.”

Maiwada added that the CGC expressed gratitude for the unwavering solidarity and cooperation extended to the NCS by the Nigerian Army, Sister agencies, and the good people of Yobe State.

“He emphasized the crucial role of community engagement in the shared pursuit of safety and security, urging all citizens to contribute to these collective endeavors actively.

“In memory of ASC II Ahmed Usman and the face of adversity, the Nigeria Customs Service stands strong, resolute, and united, ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s borders, ” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Yobe state Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has condoled with the Nigeria Customs Service and the family of the officer killed by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Geidam on Saturday.

Governor Buni described the attack on the Customs facility and the sad loss of the officer as sad and unfortunate.

“It is sad that we are visited by this unfortunate incident at a time when we enjoy relative peace across the state.

“Our gallant security operatives have no doubt maintained watchful eyes to maintain security to lives and property in the state.

“This unfortunate attack, however, is a wake-up call to all of us to be vigilant, and we should not be carried away by the peace we enjoy and taken by surprises.

“I extend the sympathy and condolences of the government and people of Yobe state to the Nigeria Customs Service, the Controller General and family of the slain officer” Governor Buni said in a statement signed by the Director General, Media Affairs, Yobe State, Mamman Mohammed.

He assured the commitment of his administration to continue partnering security operatives in the state to improve on the relative peace enjoyed across the state.

Buni prayed for the repose of the late officer in eternal rest and the fortitude to his family to bear the irreparable loss.

The Governor called on the people of the state to always provide timely and useful information to government and security agencies on questionable persons and movements in their communities.