An Inspector of Customs, Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo was killed on Friday 12 July, 2024 at Achilafia alongside Daura-Kano Street in Jigawa State throughout a ‘cease and search’ operation.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone B made the disclosure on Saturday by way of a press release by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Isah Suleiman, a Superintendent of Customs.
SC Suleiman mentioned the incidence occurred when a automobile suspected to be smuggled into the nation hit Elenwo whereas making an attempt to evade arrest.
The unit’s spokesperson mentioned the late operative was rushed to the Basic Hospital Kazaure from the place he was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, the place the physician on responsibility pronounced him lifeless.
Suleiman added that the deceased customs officer has been laid to relaxation in Katsina, based on Islamic rites.
“Inspector Hamza, an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers State was born on 15 April 1985 and joined the Nigeria Customs Service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) within the Transport and Logistics Unit on 17 October, 2013 and was promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs (IC) within the 12 months 2022 and is survived by a spouse and two Kids,” Suleiman mentioned.
The Head of Federal Operations Unit Zone B, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, prolonged his heartfelt condolence to the deceased’s household on behalf of all the officers and males of the Unit, and prayed for his everlasting relaxation.
Comptroller Shuaibu nonetheless lamented that the incident exhibits the extent of desperation by smugglers working with out recourse to human lives.
He added that the incident was certainly one of many cases the place smugglers kill and maim personnel of the service in an try and evade arrest.
The Comptroller who disclosed that one of many suspects has been arrested and in custody of the Nigeria Police Power, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa State, additionally vowed to make sure that justice is served within the matter.
He confused that operatives of the unit wouldn’t be deterred, however stay unwavering within the struggle in opposition to smuggling.
