The Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators responsible for the tragic death of Customs Assistant II, Auwal Haruna, in Katsina State.
During his visit to the family of the deceased in Kayawa community, Dutsi Local Government Area of the state, he assured that the Service is exerting every possible effort to bring the individuals behind this heinous act to justice.
Haruna met his demise during a violent assault by suspected smugglers on Customs operatives at Gamjin Makaho checkpoint along the Katsina – Dankama road in Kaita Local Council area of Katsina State on April 17, 2024.
Adeniyi, represented by a high-level delegation led by the Customs Area Controller, Katsina Command, Comptroller Muhammad Umar, stated that the Nigeria Customs Service has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident and is determined to identify and apprehend those responsible. The Comptroller General of Customs, as conveyed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Area Command, Mr. Tahir Balarabe, vowed that the perpetrators of the slain Customs officer will face the consequences of their actions. He condemned the untimely death of the NCS operative as unprovoked, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the courageous officer and extended sympathies to the family of the deceased and the entire Kayawa community.
He emphasized that the “brutal attack” on the Customs operatives highlights the risks encountered by the men and officers of the Service in carrying out their duties while acknowledging their valor, bravery, exceptional determination, and loyalty.
The Chairman of Dutsi Local Government Area, Mr. Ado Rabe, who later spoke on behalf of the family, appealed to the NCS management to consider appointing a member of Haruna’s family as his replacement.
He noted that the community mourns the loss of a humble son who was the sole Customs personnel in the area, underscoring the necessity for the Nigeria Customs Service to address the vacancy left by his passing.
During a meeting with the delegation at the Katsina State Government House, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda instructed the security agencies in the state to detain the perpetrators of the customs officer’s murder to face legal repercussions.
He emphasized: “It is imperative that the investigative security agencies ensure that the guilty parties are held accountable and justice is served.” On behalf of myself and the esteemed people of Katsina State, I offer my condolences to the Comptroller General of Customs and the entire staff of the Service for the profound loss.”
However, he highlighted the positive and harmonious interactions between the Nigeria Customs Service and border communities in the state, emphasizing the importance of sustaining these relationships.
The governor prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljanna Firdaus “because he died while safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizens.”
By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
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