The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice following the tragic killing of Customs Assistant II, Auwal Haruna, in Katsina State.

During a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Kayawa, a community in Dutsi Local Government Area of the State, Adeniyi assured the family that the NCS is diligently investigating the incident and is committed to apprehending those responsible for the heinous act.

Haruna lost his life during an ambush by suspected smugglers on Customs operatives at Gamjin Makaho checkpoint along the Katsina – Dankama road in Kaita local council area of Katsina State on April 17, 2024.

Represented by a high-powered delegation led by the Customs Area Controller, Katsina Command, Comptroller Muhammad Umar, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of every personnel in the service, vowing that the killers of the slain officer will face the full wrath of the law.

Expressing profound grief over the loss, Adeniyi commiserated with the family of the deceased and the entire Kayawa community, acknowledging the dangers faced by Customs operatives in the line of duty.

He assured the family and community of the NCS’s support during and after the grieving period, highlighting Haruna’s dedication to duty as a mark of honor.

The Chairman of Dutsi Local Government Area, Mr. Ado Rabe, appealed for the late Haruna to be replaced with one of his family members, citing his humble service to the community.

In a separate address at the Government House in Katsina, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda urged security agencies to swiftly apprehend the culprits and ensure justice is served.

The delegation also visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar, to offer condolences, with the Emir emphasizing the need for the NCS to remain resolute in combating smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

The delegation, comprising senior officers including the Comptroller Federal Operation Zone B, Kaduna, Ahmadu Bello Shu’aibu, and the Coordinator, Joint Border Patrol Team Sector 4, Comptroller Aminu Abubakar, expressed solidarity and support to the family and community.

Tahir Balarabe, Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer of Katsina Area Command, released the statement on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, on May 9th, 2024.