By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja.
The Nigeria Customs Service
has condemned the brutal attack on one of its personnel in Katsina, and vowed to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in a statement on Wednesday, while extending heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of CA II Auwal Haruna, emphasised that the NCS, in close collaboration with other security agencies, is tirelessly working to apprehend the perpetrators of this reprehensible act and ensure they face the full consequences of the law.
TheFact Daily had on 17th April reported that Haruna was lynched by a mob at the Gamji Makaho checkpoint in the Dankama area of Katsina State because he fired shots at a truck loaded with goods suspected of illegal movement outside the country, and whose driver refused to stop for a routine check when beckoned to do so by the operatives. The shots killed a passenger onboard the vehicle.
“Violence against our officers is utterly unacceptable, and we will pursue every avenue to bring those responsible to justice. The safety of our personnel and the security of our borders remain paramount. We are committed to working with traditional rulers, government bodies, and sister agencies to combat this heinous crime against our personnel”, Adeniyi said.
He further reaffirmed that the NCSU under his leadership remained unwaveringly committed to combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes, adding that, “the Service will not falter in its mission to uphold the law and protect the interests of the Nigerian people”.
He averred that available intelligence indicated that certain unpatriotic community members were re harbouring suspected accomplices involved in the heinous crime, and therefore implored the individuals to embrace patriotism by aligning with the law and refraining from condoning illegality. “It is in the best interest of our communities and nation to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to root out criminal elements and ensure justice prevails”, he said.
CGC Adeniyi urged the public to join hands in the fight against these brazen criminals, and also called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities of these daredevil smugglers to the nearest customs formation. “Together, we can create a safer environment for our officers and a more secure nation for all”, he stated.
