PICTURES: Smugglers Assault Customs Officials, Damage Property, And Steal 29 Bags Of Rice

THE Nigeria Customs Service launched a coordinated operation with the Police and other security agencies to find and apprehend alleged smugglers who had attacked Customs personnel at the Yauri outpost in Kebbi state while they were performing their official responsibilities.

Mohammed Salisu, the command's public relations officer, confirmed the occurrence in a formal statement. He said that the offenders broke into cars, windows, air conditioners, and furniture, and they also stole bags of grains that had been seized.

Salisu alleges that on Thursday, March 21, the attack took place when police intervened to stop smuggling at Yauri Waterside.

The statement reads, “In the late hours of Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 23:10 hours, the combined team of Yauri outstation and Surveillance were informed of suspected smuggling activity at the Yauri waterside. Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation.

“Afterward, a mob attack was launched by the aggrieved smugglers by mobilizing hoodlums to attack the outpost.”

Salisu continued, saying that the crisis was efficiently handled by the Kebbi Command and its cooperating agencies.

He also said that one AK-47 rifle was first taken by the attackers, but it was quickly found, and that the officer in charge suffered a hand injury. The intruders took 29 bags of the 41 bags of rice that had been confiscated.

Salisu condemned the large-scale destruction the crowd had inflicted, claiming damage to furniture, air conditioners, staff cars, and other vital equipment that kept the outstation running.

He added that Iheanacho Ojike, the Customs Area Controller, and Nasir Idris, the Governor of Kebbi State, met to plan the next course of action.

Salisu continued, saying that the crisis was efficiently handled by the Kebbi Command and its cooperating agencies.

Salisu did draw attention to the fact that there is continuous communication between the state commissioner of police and the Customs Area Controller, which has led to investigations meant to bring charges against the offenders.

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