Tragedy struck in Jigawa State, Northwest Nigeria, when a suspected smuggler fatally shot an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), identified as Hamza Elenwo, during a stop and search operation on Friday, 12 July 2024, along the Daura-Kano Road at Achilafia.
Isah Sulaiman, Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer for Zone B of the Federal Operations Unit, confirmed the incident in a statement, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic event.
According to Sulaiman, the fatal encounter occurred when a vehicle suspected of carrying smuggled goods collided with Officer Elenwo as it attempted to evade arrest.
Elenwo was immediately rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was subsequently laid to rest in Katsina following Islamic rites.
Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Officers and Men of the Unit to the family of the deceased, praying for his soul’s eternal rest.
He assured that justice would be served, noting that a suspect had been apprehended and was in custody at the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa State.
This tragic incident follows closely after another Customs officer was killed by an angry mob in Kaita Local Government Area of Katsina State just two months ago.
Reports indicated that the officer had allegedly fired shots at a moving truck carrying goods and passengers in Dankama Community along the Katsina to Kaita route, prompting public outcry and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Upon hearing the gunshot, enraged passengers in the truck immediately disembarked and engaged in a heated argument with the customs officers. This altercation escalated into a fatal attack that resulted in the officer’s death.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to investigate the mob violence that led to the tragic death of Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna in Katsina State. Comptroller Mohammed Umar, the Customs Area Controller of Katsina Command, affirmed this commitment during a visit to the deceased officer’s family in Kayawa, Dutsi Local Council.
In a statement issued by NCS spokesperson Tahir Balarabe in the state, it was emphasised that a thorough investigation would be conducted to apprehend those responsible for the reprehensible act. Comptroller Mohammed Umar conveyed condolences to the family on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, acknowledging the officer’s sacrifice while on duty.
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