‘Smugglers’ attack customs outpost in Kebbi

Suspected smugglers have attacked an outpost of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Yauri LGA of Kebbi state.

In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed Salisu, customs spokesperson, said the attack was launched at the outpost after the officers seized some bags of rice from some smugglers.

Salisu said the attackers destroyed a vehicle belonging to an officer and vandalised some other valuable properties at the outpost.

He said one customs officer sustained an injury when the attackers were engaged.

“In the late hours of Thursday, March 21, at about 11:00 p.m., a combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance received credible information on a suspected smuggling activity at Yauri Waterside,” the statement reads.

“Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation.

“In the midst of the attack, the officer in charge (OiC) sustained a hand injury; one AK47 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 area command’s chairs, tables, windows, doors, and other essentials put in place to support the operations of the outstation.”

The spokesperson said Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, customs area controller, had been in contact with the state police command, adding that some suspects have been arrested over the attack.

He added that “investigation was launched in view of arresting and prosecuting the criminals”.