The Nigeria Customs Service has dismissed reports that it had a hand in the demise of a 14-year-old in Katsina.
This comes following reports that Muhsin Ibrahim, 14, was killed Saturday, Feb. 3, after a J5 Peugeot vehicle driver, fleeing from officials of the Federal Operating Unit, Zone B of the Nigeria Customs Service, rammed into bystanders in the Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
However, the National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, disputed this in a statement on Monday, Feb. 5.
The NCS spokesperson said that no officer drove the ill-fated car on the said date.
Maiwada said: “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 Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers 10 states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated.”
He continued, “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 revealed that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in police custody pending further investigation,”
In the statement, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated his unwavering commitment to fostering harmonious community relations and conducting anti-smuggling operations without casualties.
Adeniyi also urged members of the public to adhere to government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in the country.
“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,” Adeniyi concluded.
