Suspected Car Smuggler Murders Customs Officer In An Escape Attempt

Aminu Abdullahi, a member of the Nigerian Customs Service, was killed by a suspected car smuggler in the state’s Yauri Local Government Area, according to the NCS Kebbi Area Command.

On Sunday, July 16, 2023, ASC Mubarak Mustapha, the service’s spokeswoman, confirmed the occurrence in a statement in Birnin Kebbi.

“The NSC, Kebbi Area Command, has commiserated with the family of one officer, Aminu Abdullahi, who was killed by a suspected car smuggler in the line of duty,” the statement read.

“The incident took place on July 13, at about 4:00 a.m, when a 2015 Toyota Corolla model with chassis no: 2TBURHE3FC456204 rammed into the victim along Tamac road, Yauri local government area of the state.”

He claimed that after receiving appropriate first aid, the officer was transported to General Hospital, Yauri, for urgent medical care.

“He was later transferred to Wamakko Orthopaedic Hospital in Wamakko LGA of Sokoto State. Unfortunately, he gave up the ghost this morning after responding to treatment during the night,” Mustapha said.

Mr Mubarak prayed to Allah for the deceased’s eternal peace and for the family’s strength to endure the loss.

The driver of the car, identified as Abdulwasiu Salawudeen, had been detained and taken to the command’s headquarters for more investigation, the official claimed.

The service said that it had organized a parade for the first time in three years to boost the morale of its officers and men.

“The essence of the parade was to encourage, instil discipline, bond the officers uniformly and to carry out the NCS core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, trade facilitation, provide security and enhance customs civil relationship to the host communities.

“The Area Controller of the command, Dr Ben Oramalugo stressed the need for the officers to be their brothers’ keeper and should see each other as brothers in uniform, and also help each other with intelligence and reinforcement,” he said.