The Katsina/Kaduna command of the Nigeria Customs Service has launched a manhunt for a suspected smuggler who mobilised a mob action that led to the injury of seven officers.
The Comptroller of the command, Kayode Olusemire, said the yet to be identified suspect abandoned a J5 Peugeot van carrying over 30 bags of rice when accosted around Batagarawa town and ran away only to mobilise residents who came to attack the men trying to clear the smuggled rice and second hand clothing.
He said: “Seven of my men suffered various degrees of injuries from catapult and stones thrown at them,” adding that, “People need to understand that smugglers are our enemies who should be exposed not encouraged.”
He denied allegations that customs officials shot at a 12-year-old pupil during the mob action, noting that customs used AK49 rifle not AK47 as being speculated.
