A team of officers and men of Kebbi Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, on a stop-and-search operation based on credible information along Bunza – Dakingari – Koko Road, were engaged with heavy gunfire by suspected bandits in an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle.
In the melee that ensued, two personnel of the Command, named Alhaji Kabiru Shehu, an Inspector of Customs and Abdullahi Muhammad, a Customs Assistant II, paid the supreme price.
The officers have since been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
While praying for the repose of the deceased, the command has launched a manhunt for the suspects with the view to arrest and prosecute them.
The Customs Area Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, commiserated with the families of the deceased on the tragic incident and prayed that God Almighty grants them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The CAC also urged members of the public to volunteer information about the movement of suspected smugglers and other criminals.
He assured such informants of strict confidentiality.
