Customs CG Vows to Arrest, Prosecute Killers of Katsina officer

• Radda directs security agencies to nab culprits 

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

The Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has vowed to arrest and prosecute the killers of Customs Assistant II, Auwal Haruna, in Katsina State.

He gave the assurance when he visited the family of the deceased in Kayawa community, Dutsi Local Government Area of the state, saying the Service was doing everything humanly possible to apprehend the perpetrators of the evil act.

Haruna was killed during a brutal attack 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-powered delegation led by the Customs Area Controller, Katsina Command, Comptroller Muhammad Umar, said the Nigeria Customs Service has since commenced investigation on the incident and will fish out those responsible for the act.

The Comptroller General of Customs, according to a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina Area Command, Mr. Tahir Balarabe, vowed that the killers of the slain Customs officer would not go unpunished.

He described the killing of the NCS operative as unprovoked, expressing profound grief over the needless death of the gallant officer and commiserate with the family of the deceased and the entire Kayawa community.

He said the “brutal attack” on the Customs operatives demonstrates the dangers faced by men and officers of the Service in the line of duty, while saluting their heroism, courage, uncommon grit and patriotism.

The Chairman of Dutsi Local Government Area, Mr. Ado Rabe, who later spoke on behalf of the family, appealed to the management of the NCS to replace the late Haruna with one of his family members.

He said that the entire community has lost a humble son who was the only Customs personnel in the area, hence the need for the Nigeria Customs Service to consider his replacement.

While addressing the delegation at the Katsina State Government House, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda directed security agencies in the state to arrest the killers of the customs officer in order to face the law.

He said: “It is very important that the security agencies in charge of investigation ensure that the culprits are brought to book and justice is done.

“On behalf of myself and the good people of Katsina State, I condoled with the Comptroller General of Customs and the entire personnel of the Service over the irreplaceable loss.”

He, however, said the engagements between the Nigeria Customs Service and border communities in the state were cordial and yielding positive results, hence the need for its sustainability.

The governor prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Aljanna firdaus “because he died while protecting the lives and properties of the citizens”.