In Kaduna, fleeing smugglers kill Customs officer

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, announced the tragic death of one of its officers, Inspector of Customs Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo, on Saturday.

Isa Suleiman, the Public Relations Officer for Zone B, revealed in a statement from Kaduna that the incident took place on Friday at Achilafia, along the Daura-Kano road in Jigawa State, during a routine stop and search operation.

According to Suleiman, the operative was struck by a vehicle believed to be smuggled into the country, which attempted to flee and evade arrest.

He added that the slain officer was rushed to General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.

The Customs spokesperson added that the deceased has been laid to rest in accordance to Islam rites.

Suleiman said, “The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B is sad to announce the tragic demise of Inspector of Customs (IC) Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo in an unfortunate incident that occurred on Friday, 12 July 2024 at Achilafia along Daura-Kano Road in Jigawa State during a stop and search operation.

“The incident occurred when a vehicle suspected to be smuggled into the country hit the operative while trying to evade arrest. The late Operative was rushed to the General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the Doctor on duty. The deceased has been laid to rest in Katsina, according to Islamic rites.”

Suleiman reported that Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, Head of Federal Operations Unit Zone B, extended his heartfelt sympathy to the deceased’s family on behalf of the unit, and prayed for the deceased’s eternal repose.

“Comptroller Shuaibu asserted that the incident shows the level of desperation by smugglers operating without recourse to human lives, adding that it is also one of the many instances where smugglers kill and maim Personnel of the service in an attempt to evade arrest.

“The Comptroller vowed to ensure justice is served as One (1) Suspect has been arrested and is in the Custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa State,” he said.