Suspected armed bandits, believed to be members of the notorious Lakurawa sect, launched a deadly attack on a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) outpost in Maje, a community in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Preliminary reports indicate that the heavily armed assailants stormed the facility in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately. In the ensuing gunfire, a Customs officer, Deputy Superintendent Sadiq Muhammad, lost his life while defending the post.
Eyewitnesses said the sudden assault caused chaos in the area, forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes to escape the violence. Security operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene to restore order and pursue the attackers.
The funeral prayer for the slain officer was held at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace in Birnin Kebbi. The ceremony was attended by Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, top government functionaries, and senior security officials, who all paid their respects to the fallen officer.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi Area Command, Salisu Tajuddeen, said one officer was killed during the attack. He added that investigations have commenced to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This is a tragic loss for the Service. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased officer. Efforts are ongoing to ensure those behind this cowardly act are apprehended,” Tajuddeen stated.
The attack adds to growing concerns over the activities of armed groups in parts of the North-West, where security forces continue to battle banditry and other forms of violent crime.
