- According the statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, the attack was not unconnected to the agency’s anti-smuggling efforts
A clutch of daredevil gunmen have attacked a Nigeria Customs Service patrol base in Koko, Kebbi State.
One customs officer was killed and another was abducted during the attack which occurred occurred on Thursday, July 25, 2024, around 2100 hours
The Customs confirmed the incident in a press statement made available to newsmen on Sunday evening.
According the statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, the attack was not unconnected to the agency’s anti-smuggling efforts.
“With deep regret, we announce a distressing incident which occurred at our Koko Besse patrol base on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 2100 hours.
“A group of hoodlums attacked the patrol base, destroying properties and targeting our officers in a contest to the recent boost to anti-smuggling activities in the area,” Salisu stated.
He disclosed that the armed men caused tremendous destruction at the base before trailing and attacking two officers.
“One officer was shot and the other abducted. Unfortunately, Assistant Superintendent Customs I, Dabo Umar, lost his life while Superintendent of Customs, Babagana Abba Kabiru, was abducted and a hefty ransom was demanded for his release,” Salisu added.
The Custom’s boss stated that the body of the deceased officer, Dabo Umar, was retrieved and transported to Kaduna for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
While a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the killers and secure the release of the abducted officer, the Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for the safe return of Babagana Abba Kabiru.
The statement also called on the public to provide any information that might lead to the rescue of the abducted officer, assuring them that other relevant security services are involved in the matter.
“We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the affected officers and the deceased,” Salisu added