The Nigeria Customs Service has reported the passing of one of its officers, Auwal Haruna, a Customs Assistant 11 stationed at the Katsina Area Command.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina State on Monday.
Maiwada detailed that the situation unfolded when a group of officers from the Katsina Area Command tried to intercept a convoy of more than 50 vehicles suspected of illicitly transporting goods out of the country.
He highlighted the bravery displayed by Haruna and his colleagues in their efforts to combat these daring economic saboteurs, which led to a clash with an angry mob resulting in the fatal attack on Auwal Haruna.
The deceased has been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs in his hometown of Kayawa, in Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the entire NCS community expressed their deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased. The CGC strongly denounced the violent act that led to the officer’s untimely death and assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ensure justice prevails.
Emphasizing the risks faced by officers in safeguarding the nation’s borders, the CGC pledged unwavering support to the fallen officer’s family during this difficult time. The commitment to border security and combating illegal activities like smuggling remains a top priority for the NCS, ensuring the safety of citizens and dedicated customs personnel.
