Gunmen attack Kebbi Customs base, kill 1 officer, abduct another
Gunmen attacked a Nigeria Customs Service patrol base in the Koko/Besse area of Kebbi State, killing one officer and abducting another.
Public Relations Officer Mohammed Tajuddeen Salisu confirmed the incident. “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,” he said in a statement.
The attackers destroyed property and targeted officers, responding to increased anti-smuggling efforts in the area.
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“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 explained.
The statement revealed that the bandits demanded a ransom for the abducted officer.
“The armed men after causing mayhem to the base trailed and attacked two of our officers, one 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.”
The body of the slain officer was transported to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites.
“While a manhunt was launched for the killers and abductors of the officers, the Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed for the release of the abducted officer,” the statement added.
Salisu called on the public to provide any information that could help in the safe return of the abducted officer. “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,” he concluded.
Proofreading and editing by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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