23rd March, 2024
A Nigeria Customs Service office in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, has been attacked by hoodlums.
In the attack the hoodlums reportedly injured Customs officers and also damaged valuables. The attack according to a statement released on Saturday by the spokesman for the NCS Command in Kebbi, Mohammed Salisu, said the attack happened because officers intercepted some smuggled items in the area.
“During the late hours of Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 2310 hours, the combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance were informed of a suspected smuggling activity at Yauri Waterside. Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation.
“Afterwards, a mob attack was launched by the aggrieved smugglers by way of mobilising hoodlums to attack the outpost.
“Upon sighting the mob, the management contacted the command and other sister agencies for reinforcement, which helped in containing the situation.
“Amid the attack, the OIC sustained a hand injury; 1 AK-47 rifle was carted away but retrieved shortly; and 29 out of 41 bags of the seized rice were taken away by the attackers.
“The mob went further to vandalise the OIC personal vehicle, the outstation Air Conditioner, chairs, tables, windows, doors, and other essentials put in place to support the operations of the outstation.
“The Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ojike, has been in touch with the Commissioner of Police, and so far, some arrests have been made and an investigation was launched in view of arresting and prosecuting the criminals”.