Sad news has struck the Nigeria Customs Service with the loss of Officer Auwal Haruna, a Customs Assistant 11 from the Katsina Area Command.
The unfortunate event took place at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina State on Monday, as disclosed in a statement released by the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada.
It all began when a team of officers from the Katsina Area Command tried to stop a convoy of more than 50 vehicles suspected of smuggling goods out of the country.
“The unfortunate incident occurred when a group of customs officers from Katsina Area Command intercepted a convoy of over 50 vehicles carrying goods believed to be moving illicitly out of the country.
“Haruna and his colleagues showed great bravery in their efforts to stop these bold economic saboteurs. Their actions led to a clash with an angry mob who brutally attacked Auwal Haruna,” Maiwada explained.
The fallen officer was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs in his hometown, Kayawa, in Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire NCS community send their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family, Maiwada mentioned.
The CGC denounced the violence that caused the premature death of the officer and assured a thorough investigation to deliver justice.
“The CGC acknowledges the dangerous situations officers encounter daily in their duty to protect the nation’s borders. He pledges full support to the family of the deceased during this period of mourning,” Maiwada stated.
He reiterated the service’s dedication to border security.
“The NCS remains resolute in combating illegal practices like smuggling, putting Nigeria’s border integrity first and ensuring the safety of citizens and committed customs staff,” he concluded.