The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed viral reports alleging that its officers were responsible for the death of a teenager in Jibia, Katsina State, while chasing smugglers.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the spokesman for NCS, clarified on Monday night that the media reports suggesting Customs officers were involved in the teenager’s death were inaccurate.
Maiwada emphasized that the J5 bus, which caused the tragic incident, was not being pursued by NCS operatives.
He stated, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
“It is crucial 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 (FOU) Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers 10 states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated.
“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 suggest that the J5 vehicle was transporting soya beans, and the driver is currently in Police custody pending further investigation.
“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside the officers and men of the service, expresses profound sympathy with the bereaved.
“The CGC reiterates his unwavering commitment to fostering harmonious community relations and conducting anti-smuggling operations without casualties. He also urges members of the public to adhere to government directives and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in our communities.”