We Will Not Be Deterred, Nigeria Customs Vows Amidst Killing Of Personnel By Suspected Smugglers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Comptroller Federal Operations Unit FOU Zone B Kaduna of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ahmadu Shuaibu, has vowed  to serve justice on those who masterminded the killing of one its personnel, Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo, while on lawful duties.

Elenwo ,an Inspector of Customs attached to FOU Zone B, was on Friday, July 12, 2024 ran-over by a suspected escaping vehicle smuggler at Achilafia, along Daura/Kano road while on a stop and search operation.

According to a statement  issued on Saturday, July 13, by the Zone’s spokesperson Isah Suleiman SC, the incident occurred when a vehicle suspected to have been smuggled into the country hit the operative ,while trying to evade arrest.

“The late Hamza was rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the Doctor on duty.

The deceased has been laid to rest in Katsina according to Islamic rites .

Inspector Hamza an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers State ,was born on April 15 1985. He joined the Nigeria Customs service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) in the Transport and Logistics Unit on October 17,2013 and was promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs (I’C) in the year 2022.

He is survived by a wife and two children.” the statement stated .

Comptroller Shuaibu, on behalf of the Officers and men of the Unit extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased family, as well as prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead.

The FOU Zone B Comptroller, noted that the unfortunate incident highlights the level of desperation by smugglers, who will stop at nothing, even to kill, to protect their illegal business activities.

He equally said the development also shows how  smugglers kill and maim personnel of the Service,in an attempt to evade arrest.

Comptroller Shuaibu however, added that the  unit’s operatives would not be deterred and would remain resolute and unwavering in the fight against smuggling.