The Nigeria Customs Service has set up a committee to investigate alleged shooting of a motorcade of a Katsina State commissioner by its operatives.
The motorcade of Katsina State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Umar Gwajo-Gwajo, was alleged to have been shot at on Tuesday by Customs operatives of the Katsina Area Command.
Mr Dalha Wada-Chedi, the command’s Acting Controller, told newsmen on Wednesday in Katsina that the command had inaugurated an investigative committee into the incident.
The motorcade of the commissioner was alleged to have been shot at by Customs operatives while on his way from Daura Local Government Area to his hometown at Mai-Adua.
Wada-Chedi expressed optimism that the investigative committee would do justice to the task assigned to it.
He said the committee’s report would be made public and necessary action taken against possible culprits.
“It is unfortunate that the incident occurred, but then we always believe in destiny,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the Area Controller has assured that, it is winning the war against smuggling in Katsina State.
Mr Dalha Wada-Chedi, told newsmen that Customs Service had so much reduced smuggling in the state that it recorded low seizure in August.
“The command has recorded serious reduction in terms of seizure from Aug 1, 2021 to Sept. 6, 2021.
“This achievement was recorded as a result of commitment of our anti-smuggling operatives across the state.
“Within the period under review, we seized smuggled vehicles, foreign rice and other items worth more thanN65 million.
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“We seized a Mercedes Benz C180 worth N1.89 million, two Peugeot 504 worth N135,000 each, Kia Sorento of N2.7 million, and also a Volkswagen Golf III worth N675,000.
“Also, the command seized two MAN Diesel trucks valued at N8.1 million each and another Volkswagen Golf III worth N877,500.
“We were also able to seize a Fiat J5 bus valued at of N1.6 million, a Peugeot 307 worth N1.485 million, Toyota Hilux jeep worth N29.7 million and Nissan Patrol worth N405,000.
“All in all, the total value of the 12 seized vehicles is N55,822,500.’’ Wada-Chedi said.
He added that the command also impounded smuggled rice, spaghetti, milk, vegetable oil, animal feeds and other items worth more than N9.227 million.
He stressed that frequent disclosure of seizures was to serve as deterrent to smugglers, adding that the exercise had been yielding the required result.
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