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Abdulqudus Ogundapo
Some suspected smugglers have laid an ambush on Customs Officers at Asero community in Abeokuta, Ogun State and killed a Customs Assistant I, Hamisu Sani and severely injured an Inspector, Tijani Michel .
It was gathered that,the operatives attached to the Nigerian Customs Service ,Ogun Area Command, on Sunday, were on a routine anti-smuggling patrol in an attempt to secure eight reconstructed vehicles loaded with smuggled rice and kept in Asero community.
It was further gathered that, while attempting to resist the customs officers from seizing their vehicles,the suspected smugglers laid an ambush to the Customs operatives leading to the death of Sani following “grievous injuries”.
However, it was also learnt that, that the Inspector of Customs who sustained injuries from machete cut is responding to treatment.
The Spokesperson of the Command, Abdullahi Maiwada in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Monday , confirmed the incident.
Maiwada said, the deceased officer had been buried in line with Islamic rites.
He vowed that the command would ensure the perpetrators “of this devilish act are brought to face the full wrath of the law.”
The spokesman , however, disclosed that two suspects have been arrested by the Police, while the eight vehicles loaded with smuggled rice have been secured in connection with the incident.
The statement reads partly “Unfortunately during the encounter, one of the Officers a Customs Assistant I Hamisu Sani sustained grievous injuries and paid the supreme price (died) in active Service. He has since been buried according Islamic rites.
“Also, an Inspector of Customs Tijani John Michel sustained serious machete cut but is responding to treatment in the hospital.
“Meanwhile, two suspects have been arrested by police and eight vehicles fully loaded with smuggled rice have been secured in connection with the incident at Customs House Abeokuta for further investigation.
“While we commend the patriotic role of our sister Agencies and law abiding citizens, we wish to categorically state that we will deploy all necessary apparatus to ensure that the perpetrators of this devilish act are brought to book to face the full wrath of the law.
“Finally, the reoccurrence of such form of hostilities and intimidation by smugglers and their accomplice on our Officers and Men will never distract us from vigorously discharging our statutory functions.”
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