Gunmen kill customs officer in Kebbi

Gunmen have killed Dabo Umar, an assistant superintendent of customs, in Kebbi state.

In a press statement on Sunday, Mohammed Tajudeen, public relations officer of the Kebbi area command, said the officer was killed when gunmen attacked the command’s Koko Besse patrol base on Thursday.

Tajudeen said Babagana Kabiru, a superintendent of customs, was abducted during the attack.

He added that the gunmen demanded a “hefty ransom” for Kabiru’s release.

He urged the public to provide “any information that might lead to the safe return of the abducted officer”.

“With deep regret, we announce a distressing incident which occurred at our Koko Besse patrol base on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at approximately 2100 hours”, the statement reads.

“A group of hoodlums attacked the patrol base, destroying properties and targeting our officers in a 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.

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

“The deceased officer’s body was retrieved and conveyed to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites.

“While a manhunt was launched for the killers and abductors of the officers, the Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has commiserated with the family of the deceased and prayed for the release of the abducted officer.

“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’s.”