Customs Probes Alleged Shooting of Katsina Commissioner’s Convoy by Personnel

By Francis Sardauna

The Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said it has commenced investigation into the alleged shooting of the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftency Affairs, Hon. Umar Ya’u Gwajo-gwajo’s convoy by its personnel.

The command’s acting Comptroller, DC Dalha Wada Chedi, made this revelation while briefing journalists Wednesday on the achievements recorded by the command in its war against smuggling.

He said the command has inaugurated an investigative committee to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident.

Gwajo-gwajo’s convoy was said to have been shot at by the operatives of the NCS while moving from Daura Local Government Area to Mai’Adua, his hometown, Tuesday morning.

The Daura-Mai’adua highway is referred to by many residents of the state as a road used by smugglers who move in their contraband from neighbouring Niger Republic into the state.

Chedi expressed optimism that the committee members would do justice to the task assigned to them, adding that the committee’s report would soon be made available and necessary action would be taken.

He said: “It is unfortunate that the incident occurred but then we always believe in destiny that happened. On hearing about the incident, a committee was already set up and the committee has started working.

“Therefore, investigation is ongoing and I would not like the situation whereby we start pre-empting the committee members. The committee would submit its report soonest.”

The acting comptroller, however, announced the seizure of 12 vehicles and other contraband with duty paid value of N65,049,740.00.

He said the items seized included 126 bags of foreign rice, 104 Jerry cans of vegetable oil, 33 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 121 pieces of gas cylinders, 128 Jerry cans of petrol and six bags of foreign fertilizer.

Other contraband, he said, were 14 cartons of foreign macaroni, 14 cartons of couscous, 14 cartons of foreign milky creamer, 10 bags of animal feeds and five wraps of second-hand clothes.

According to him, smuggling has drastically reduced across border communities in the state due to the unflinching efforts of men and officers of the command.