Customs begin manhunt for officer’s killers in Katsina

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has vowed to ensure justice for customs officer, Auwal Haruna, who was gruesomely murdered by suspected smugglers in Katsina State.

Adeniyi in a statement, on Thursday, was stated to have this during a visit to the bereaved family in Kayawa, Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

He added that the service was determined to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the tragic incident.

The PUNCH reported that the officer was mobbed on April 17, 2024, at the Gamjin Makaho checkpoint on the Katsina-Dankama road in the Kaita Local Council Area of the state.

The CGC highlighted the risks faced by officers in their line of duty.

Represented at the event by Comptroller Muhammad Umar of the Katsina Command, Adeniyi expressed the service’s determination to address the murder vigorously.

The customs chief conveyed his deep sorrow and solidarity with the family and the Kayawa community, emphasising that the loss impacted the entire nation.

“Every member of staff is vital to us, and we will not rest until those who took Auwal Haruna’s life are duly punished,” Adeniyi stated.

The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, echoed the call for swift justice and further security measures to protect customs officers and the communities they serve.

Radda stressed the importance of continued cooperation between the NCS and local communities, which had historically yielded positive outcomes.

He also offered condolences on behalf of the state, affirming his administration’s support in the ongoing investigation.

The Chairman of Dutsi Local Government Area, Mr. Ado Rabe, while speaking on behalf of the family, appealed to the management of the NCS to replace the late Haruna with one of his family members.

He said that the entire community had lost a humble son who was the only customs officer in the area, hence the need for the customs service to consider his replacement.