Katsina: Customs to probe officer’s death

• As Police Neutralise One, Foil Bandits’ Invasion Attempt

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to investigate the mob action incident, which led to the death of one of its personnel, Customs Assistant ll Auwal Haruna, in Katsina State.

The Customs Area Controller of Katsina Command, Comptroller Mohammed Umar, stated this when he visited the family of the deceased officer in Kayawa, Dutsi Local Council of the state. Haruna was killed, on Wednesday, close to Dankama border town, along Katsina-Kaita Road, after an angry mob of travellers descended on him.

The mob action followed Haruna’s shooting of a passenger, who later died, in the vehicle the mob was being ferried in. But, a statement by spokesperson for the NCS in the state, Tahir Balarabe, said investigation would be carried out with a view to “apprehending those responsible for the heinous act”.

“The Customs Area Controller of Katsina Command, Comptroller Mohammed Umar, has paid a condole visit to the family of late Customs Assistant II Auwal Haruna in his native home on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who tragically lost his life while on duty.

Meanwhile, the Police in the state have neutalised a suspected bandit and foiled an attempted invasion by deceased’s gang members in Sabuwa Local Council.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred, on Wednesday, at about 4.48pm.

He said many bandits sustained gunshot injuries during the foiled invasion attempt, but that one security operative was injured in the leg and currently, receiving medical attention in hospital.

“The Katsina State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, successfully foiled an invasion attempt on Sabuwa town, Sabuwa Local Council of Katsina State, by suspected bandits.”

“On April 17, 2024, at about 1648 hrs, information was received at the Sabuwa Divisional Headquarters that some suspected armed bandits were in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons such as AK-47 rifles, on motorcycles riding towards Sabuwa town with the intent to attack.

“Upon receipt of the report, promptly, the DPO Sabuwa, CSP Aliyu Mustapha mobilised a team of operatives consisting of men of the operation Sharan Daji and members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps and responded to the scene, where they engaged the suspected bandits in a fierce gun duel.

Balarabe continued: “During the visit to the Kayawa community in Dutsi Local Council of Katsina State, Comptroller Muhammed Umar, expressed his deepest sympathy to the family and members of the Kayawa community for the irreplaceable loss, recognising Auwal’s sacrifice in the line of duty. He emphasised that the Service lost a disciplined and well-dedicated officer.

“Furthermore, the Area Controller assured the family of the deceased that the Service has initiated a thorough investigation to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act and would ensure justice is served.

“The Chairman of Dutsi Local Council, Abdulrazzak Adamu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the deceased family members for the support during this challenging time and urged the Service to bring the culprits to book and ensure that justice is served.

“A moment of prayer was held for the eternal peace of the fallen hero, Auwal Haruna.”
The police spokesman said: “The team successfully foiled the planned attack; however, one Murtala Sabi’u, a member of the KSCWC, sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg and was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

“In the course of scanning the scene, the body of one neutralised suspected bandit, one walkie-talkie, and a military-grade hand grenade were recovered from the scene.

“Furthermore, the CP called on members of the public to promptly report anyone seen with a bullet wound, as some of the suspects escaped the scene with gunshot injuries.

“He further reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the protection of the lives and property of the good people of the state under his stewardship.”

Abdulrazzak Adamu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the deceased family members for the Service support during this challenging time and urged the Service to bring the culprits to book and ensure that justice is served.
“A moment of prayer was held for the eternal peace of the fallen hero, Auwal Haruna.”