Suspected smugglers have been reportedly to have launched an attack on the Nigeria’s Customs Services (NCS) outstation in Yauri, Kebbi State over seized bags of foreign rice.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kebbi State Area Command of the NCS, SC Mohmmed Tajudeen Salisu confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

According to him, “In the late hours of Thursday, March 21, 2024, at about 2310 hours, the combined team of Yauri outstation and surveillance were informed of a suspected smuggling activity at Yauri Waterside. Upon arriving at the scene, 41 bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized, secured, and taken to the outstation.

“Afterwards, a mob attack was launched by the aggrieved smugglers by way of mobilising hoodlums to attack the outpost. Upon sighting the mob, the management contacted the command and other sister agencies for reinforcement, which helped in containing the situation.

“In the midst of the attack, the OiC sustained a hand injury; 1 AK47 rifle was carted away but retrieved shortly; and 29 out of 41 bags of the seized rice were taken away by the attackers.

“The mob went further to vandalise the OiC personal vehicle, the outstation ACs, chairs, tables, windows, doors, and other essentials put in place to support the operations of the outstation.

“Furthermore, to subside and lower the tension, the Kebbi State Governor hosted the Customs Area Controller on the way forward, and normalcy has since been restored,” he said.

The PRO added that the Customs Area Controller, Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has been in touch with the Commissioner of Police, and so far, some arrests have been made and an investigation was launched in view of arresting and prosecuting the criminals. (The Sun)