Gunmen have killed an Assistant Superintendent of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dabo Umar, and abducted his colleague in Koko-Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Customs Kebbi Area Command, SC Mohammed Tajuddeen-Salisu, on Monday, July 29, 2024.

Tajuddeen-Salisu disclosed that Umar was killed, while a Superintendent of Customs, Babagana Abba-Kabiru, was kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday, July 25.

He stated: “With deep regret, we announce a distressing incident that occurred at our Koko-Besse patrol base on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 9 a.m.

“A group of hoodlums attacked the patrol base, destroying properties and targeting our officers in contest to the recent boost to anti-smuggling activities in the area.

“The armed men after causing mayhem to the base trailed and attacked two of our officers, one was shot and the other abducted.

Smuggler kills Customs officer in Kaduna

“Unfortunately, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Dabo Umar, lost his life, while Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba-Kabiru was abducted and a hefty ransom was demanded for his release.”

Tajuddeen-Salisu added that the deceased officer’s body was retrieved and conveyed to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites.

“The command has launched a manhunt for the killers and abductors of the officers,” he disclosed.

Tajuddeen-Salisu quoted the Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, as commiserating with the family of the slain officer and prayed for the release of Abba-Kabiru.

Ernest-Ojike urged the people of Kebbi State to provide credible information that might lead to the safe return of the abducted Customs officer, adding that other security services were also involved in the matter.

“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 said.

The incident comes barely two weeks after a suspected smuggler killed a Customs officer, Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo, in Kaduna State.

The spokesperson for the Customs Federal Operations Unit, Zone B in Kaduna State, SP Isah Sulaiman, in a statement on Saturday, July 13, disclosed that the suspected smuggler had been arrested, adding that Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu vowed to ensure justice for the slain officer.

The Star