1 Officer Killed, Another Abducted As Bandits Attack Customs Base in Kebbi

Gunmen have killed one Customs officer and abducted another during a raid on a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) patrol base in the Koko/Besse area of Kebbi State.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Kebbi Area Command, Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 9:00pm

“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,” Salisu said in a statement. “A group of hoodlums attacked the patrol base, destroying properties and targeting our officers in response to the recent boost to anti-smuggling activities in the area.”

The attackers reportedly trailed and ambushed the two officers, resulting in the death of Assistant Superintendent Customs 1, Dabo Umar, while Superintendent of Customs, Babagana Abba Kabiru, was abducted, with the armed men demanding a hefty ransom for his release.

The statement added, “The body of the slain officer was retrieved and transported to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites.”

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The Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer and prayed for the safe release of the abducted officer. He urged members of the public to provide any information that could lead to the rescue of Superintendent Kabiru.

“A manhunt has been launched for the killers and abductors of the officers,” Ojike stated. “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.”