Nigeria Customs Clarifies Katsina Incident

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reacted to the news of the unfortunate death of a teenager erronoeuly reported to have been remotely linked to its operation at the border town of Jibia, Katsina State; describing the incident as painful, and expressing its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of the deceased; but says the NCS is not in any way associated with the incident.

Spokesman of the NCS, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada in a statement note that whereas the death of the teenager is regrettable, he clarified that its operatives were not party to the incident as erroneously reported by some news medium.

The statement reads: “ Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.

”It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle. The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers 10 states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated.

” We wish to clarify that our operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident, contrary to some press allegations of the involvement of our Officers. Preliminary reports suggest that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.”

The NCS leadership reiterated the service’s resolve to continually maintain a robust customs host community relationship as part of efforts towards understanding one another, and help to inculcate the laws and policies of the federal government on the mind of citizens.

”The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, alongside the officers and men of the service, expresses profound sympathy with the bereaved.  The CGC reiterates his unwavering commitment to fostering harmonious community relations and conducting anti-smuggling operations without casualties.

“He also urges members of the public to adhere to Government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in our communities.

“In this moment of grief and loss, we appeal for calm from all stakeholders. We deeply appreciate the ongoing cooperation extended by the Border communities as we work together to address challenges and promote safety and prosperity for all”, the statement added.