Hit-and-run smuggler causes the death of Customs officer in Jigawa.
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B,
made an announcement on Saturday regarding the death of one of its officers,
Inspector of Customs, Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo. According to the Zone B Public Relations Officer,
Suleiman, the incident took place on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Achilafia along Daura-Kano Road,
Jigawa State during a stop-and-search operation. The Customs spokesman clarified
that the incident occurred when the suspected smuggled vehicle hit the officer while
attempting to evade arrest. The deceased officer was taken to General Hospital Kazaure
and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina,
where he was pronounced dead by the attending doctor.
He mentioned that the deceased was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs.
Suleiman announced with deep regret that Inspector of Customs (IC) Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo
from the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, tragically passed away in
an unfortunate incident on Friday,
12 July 2024 at Achilafia along Daura-Kano Road in
Jigawa State while conducting a stop and search operation.
The event took place when a vehicle believed to be smuggled
into the country collided with the officer while attempting to escape arrest.
The deceased officer was quickly taken to General Hospital Kazaure and subsequently
moved to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was declared dead by the attending physician.
The departed individual has been buried in Katsina, following Islamic customs.
Comptroller Shuaibu emphasized that the unfortunate event
highlights the extent of desperation exhibited by smugglers
who disregard the value of human life. He further noted that
this incident is just one of numerous cases where smugglers
resort to violence against Customs personnel in order to avoid being apprehended.
The Comptroller has pledged to ensure that justice is served
following the arrest of a suspect who is currently in the custody
of the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa State.
He emphasized that the operatives of the unit will continue their unwavering fight against smuggling.
Our correspondent has learned that Inspector Hamza, a native of Port Harcourt, Rivers State,
was born on April 16, 1985. He began his career in
the Nigeria Customs Service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) in the
Transport and Logistics Unit on October 17, 2013, and was later promoted to the rank of
Inspector of Customs (IC) in 2022. Inspector Hamza is survived by his wife and two children.