By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja.
Some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) were attacked by unidentified gunmen at Four Corner Junction at Ozalla Community along Enugu/Port Harcourt expressway.
This was disclosed on Friday in a statement by the new National Public Relations Officer of NCS, Deputy Comptroller Timi Bomodi, noting that the unprovoked attack took place at about 1:30 pm on Thursday.
He said the gunmen opened fire on officers of the Service, which led to a fiery exchange of gunfire, leaving one officer dead while others sustained minor injuries.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Customs Service 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 about1:30 pm 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.”
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Lamenting the high rates of unprovoked attacks by gunmen, Bomodi recalled that a similar fate befell some NCS officers on 25th of April, 2021, along the Port Harcourt/Owerri Road axis, claiming the lives of 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,” he added.
While consoling the family of the deceased officer, Bomodi assured the wounded officers of the support of the Service in ensuring total recovery. He called on the public to always give useful information to security operatives to aid them in discharging their duties.
“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,” he said.
