Crime

How Smugglers Kill Customs Officer in Kaduna

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2024.

How Smugglers Kill Customs Officer in Kaduna

By Godwin Isenyo

The Federal Operations Unit, Zone B of the Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the death of one of its officers, Inspector Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo. The incident occurred on Friday during a stop-and-search operation at Achilafia along the Daura-Kano road in Jigawa State.

According to a statement issued by the Zone B Public Relations Officer, Isa Suleiman, the tragedy unfolded when a vehicle, suspected of being smuggled, struck Inspector Abdullahi-Elenwo as the driver attempted to flee from the checkpoint. Despite being rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and subsequently transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, the officer was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B is deeply saddened to report the untimely death of Inspector Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo, following a fatal incident on Friday, July 12, 2024,” Suleiman stated. “The incident occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation when a suspected smuggler’s vehicle hit our officer while trying to evade arrest. Inspector Abdullahi-Elenwo was taken to General Hospital Kazaure and later to FMC Katsina, where he succumbed to his injuries. He has since been laid to rest in Katsina in accordance with Islamic rites.”

Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, Head of Federal Operations Unit Zone B, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased on behalf of the entire unit. He highlighted the incident as an example of the extreme measures smugglers take to avoid apprehension, noting that this is one of many instances where customs personnel have been harmed or killed in the line of duty.

“Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized the need for justice, revealing that one suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody at the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division, in Jigawa State,” Suleiman added. “The Comptroller reaffirmed the unit’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”