Customs lose one officer to unprovoked hoodlums attacks in Enugu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said it lost one officer to hoodlums in an unprovoked attack on its men at Ozalla Community near Enugu by Four corner junction on Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway on Thursday.

The Service added that the attack was intended to instil fears into its officers and men but refused to be cowed by such attacks as it maintained that the attack would not go unpunished.

In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, DC Timi Bomodi, the Service said the attack would not dampen the resolve of its men from carrying out their statutory roles.

Text of the release, “The Nigeria Customs Service yesterday received the sad news of an incident which occurred on Thursday the 10th of February 2022 at Ozalla Community near Enugu by Four corner junction on Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway. At about 1:30pm our officers on mobile patrol were descended upon by hoodlums who opened fire on them without provocation. In the fiery exchange that ensued, one of our officers succumbed to the cold hands of death, while others sustained minor injuries.

“Members of the public will recall that a similar fate befell our officers on the 25th of April 2021 along the Port Harcourt/Owerri Road axis. An incident which claimed 3 officers.

“This trend of unprovoked attacks by faceless cowards whose intention is to instill fear in the minds of law enforcement operatives shall not go unpunished. Neither will it dampen the resolve of officers and men from carrying out their statutory functions.

“Our prayers go out to the family of the deceased officer whose sacrifice is deeply appreciated and held in high esteem. To those wounded, the Service promises to stand by them on their journey to recovery and the full restoration of health.

“We implore all well-meaning citizens to continue to support the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service as we strive towards contributing our quota in building a robust economy sustained by free and fair trade under enabling laws.”