"Chaos Unleashed: Suspected Hoodlums Strike Customs Office in Kebbi"

 Suspected hoodlums launched a violent attack on a Customs office located in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State, leaving an officer injured and causing extensive property damage. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 21, 2024, reportedly stemmed from the interception of smuggled items by Customs officers in the area.

According to a statement by Mohammed Salisu, the spokesperson for the command, the attack took place following the seizure of 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice by a combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance. The smugglers, aggrieved by the interception, mobilized hoodlums to launch a retaliatory assault on the outpost.

During the attack, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) sustained a hand injury, and an AK-47 rifle was temporarily stolen but later recovered. Additionally, 29 out of the 41 seized bags of rice were taken by the attackers. The mob also vandalized various items within the outpost, including the OIC's personal vehicle, air conditioner, furniture, and other operational essentials.

In response to the escalating situation, the outpost management sought reinforcement from the command and other law enforcement agencies, ultimately containing the violence. To alleviate tensions and address the aftermath of the attack, Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, convened discussions with the Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ojike, to chart a way forward.

Assurances were given that normalcy had been restored, with ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The Customs Area Controller remained in coordination with the Commissioner of Police, facilitating arrests and initiating investigations aimed at prosecuting those responsible for the assault.