One Officer Killed, Another Abducted, In Gunmen Attack On Customs Base

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Kebbi Area Command, has launched a manhunt for armed men that attacked its patrol base.

The attackers, suspected to be members of a smuggling syndicate invaded the Koko Besse patrol base of the Command on Thursday July 25, 2024, shot and killed an officer. Dabo Umar. ASC, and abducted another officer, Babagana Abba Kabiru, SC.

A statement issued on Sunday July 28, by the Command’s spokesperson, Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, said a group of armed men attacked the patrol base ,destroying properties and targeting officers.

The attack, the Command believes, may not be unconnected with its recent uncompromising stance against smuggling activities  along the border posts .

The Command has, however, vowed that it will not be deterred in its efforts, in collaboration  with sister security agencies to effectively protect national interest.

” The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Area Command, announces a sad incident at the Koko Besse patrol base on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 2100 hours. 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”, the statement reads