Suspected hoodlums have reportedly launched an attack on a Customs office in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, resulting in injuries to an officer and damage to property.
According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Mohammed Salisu, the incident occurred on Thursday after officers intercepted smuggled items in the area.
The statement revealed that during the interception, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, but a mob attack ensued, led by aggrieved smugglers who mobilized hoodlums to assault the outpost.
Despite efforts to contain the situation with reinforcement from sister agencies, the Officer-in-Charge sustained a hand injury, and one AK-47 rifle was briefly taken by the attackers before being recovered. Additionally, 29 out of the 41 seized rice bags were carted away.
The mob further vandalized property including the OIC’s vehicle, air conditioner, furniture, and operational essentials at the outpost.
To ease tension, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, held discussions with the Customs Area Controller on the way forward, leading to the restoration of normalcy.
The Customs Area Controller has also collaborated with the Commissioner of Police, resulting in some arrests and the launch of an investigation to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.
