Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a press statement addressing the tragic loss of a young life in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
The Customs authorities extended heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.
Amidst misinformation circulating in the media regarding the incident, the Customs emphasized that their operatives were not involved in the reported killing by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle.
Contrary to some press allegations, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B clarified that their operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the incident.
Preliminary reports suggest the vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, alongside the officers and men of the service, expressed profound sympathy with the bereaved family.
The CGC reaffirmed the commitment to conducting anti-smuggling operations without casualties and urged the public to adhere to government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies for peace and security in communities.
The statement reads:
NIGERIA CUSTOMS CLARIFIES INCIDENT IN KATSINA, EXPRESSES DEEP SYMPATHY OVER TRAGIC LOSS OF TEENAGER
- 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 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 calmness 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.
