How Suspected Smugglers Assaulted Adamawa Customs Agents

– The assaulted officers and their damaged car

By Adeola Idris

Suspected smugglers carried out a violent assault on officers serving in the Adamawa/Taraba Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Naomi Titus, the command’s public relations officer, confirmed the incident through a statement released on Saturday, March 23, 2024, disclosing that one officer sustained severe injuries during the attack.

Titus elaborated that the confrontation arose from the unwavering dedication of the Nigeria Customs Service officers to ensure effective border management and suppress smuggling activities along the nation’s borders. On Sunday, March 17, 2024, officers from the Adamawa/Taraba Command pursued suspected smugglers on the Mubi-Sahuda road in an effort to prevent smuggling across territorial boundaries.

In the course of this operation, the officers successfully intercepted three tricycles laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to be destined for smuggling into the Republic of Cameroon.

However, the interception led to a violent altercation as the smugglers fiercely resisted, attempting to set fire to both the officers and their official vehicles. Fortunately, prompt reinforcement from the Nigerian Army prevented a potential disaster.

Titus noted, “Regrettably, one officer sustained severe injuries, and an operational vehicle’s windshield was shattered during the attack.”

Despite the assailants’ resistance, the team managed to secure, evacuate, and confiscate 45x25L jerry cans of PMS. Titus emphasized that these actions were part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s borders and combating illegal smuggling activities.
In summary, suspected smugglers’ attack on customs officers in Adamawa underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing illicit cross-border activities.