The Nigeria Customs Service has denied any role in the death of a teenager at the Jibia Border Area in Katsina State on Saturday.
Abdullahi Maiwada, the Nigerian Customs service’s National Public Relations Officer, confirmed this in a statement released on Monday.
He did, however, convey the service’s sincere condolences to the deceased’s family.
Chronicle NG reports that the teen was killed on Saturday in Jibia by a commercial vehicle driver who believed he was being pursued by customs agents.
One resident claimed that the driver of the van was nervous when he noticed the officers.
The villagers claimed that the driver of the J5 Peugeot van rammed into pedestrians near Tundun Wada Primary School in Jibia, killing the teen in the process.
Although several people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the disaster was caused by the presence of customs officers in the neighbourhood, however, in response to this, Maiwada stated that it is critical for the service to clarify what occurred.
“Our attention has been drawn to the devastating loss of a young life in the Jibia Border Area of Katsina State on Saturday, February 3, 2024. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the innocent teenager whose life was tragically cut short.
The NCS representative stated that no officer drove the ill-fated automobile on the specified date.
“It is pertinent to address the misinformation circulating in the media regarding the reported killing of the teenager by a reckless driver of a J5 vehicle. The Federal Operations Unit Zone B, headquartered in Kaduna, covers 10 states plus the FCT, including Katsina, where the Jibia border is situated,” he said.
According to him, “We wish to clarify that our operatives neither drove the J5 vehicle nor intercepted it during the reported incident, contrary to some press allegations of the involvement of our officers. Preliminary reports revealed that the J5 vehicle was transporting soy beans, and the driver is currently in police custody pending further investigation.”
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised his commitment to maintaining peace and security in the country by promoting harmonious community relations and conducting anti-smuggling operations with minimal casualties.
He also urged the public to follow government directives and cooperate with law enforcement.
“In this moment of grief and loss, we appeal for calmness from all stakeholders. We deeply appreciate the ongoing cooperation extended by the border communities as we work together to address challenges and promote safety and prosperity for all,” Adeniyi concluded.
