Sokoto – The Nigeria Customs Service, Sokoto/Kebbi/Zamfara Area Command, has confirmed the death of a 35-year old man, Shu’aibu Lawal, in a clash between its operatives and smugglers on Illela-Gwadabawa-Sokoto road.
The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) reported that the Comptroller of the command, Mr Sani Madugu, confirmed it at a news conference in Sokoto on Monday.
Madugu said that the deceased died as a result of gunshot wounds sequel to an ”accidental discharge” from an operative of the service.
He said the “regrettable clash” happened when operatives of the service pursued some persons smuggling rice from Illela to Sokoto.
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Madugu stated that all the officers who were present at the scene of the incident had been handed over to the State Police Command for further investigations.
The Comptroller further stated that any officer found wanting upon the conclusion of investigations would be severely dealt with.
Madugu also said that an officer, who was attacked by some residents of the area where the clash occurred, was lying critically ill at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
He stressed the need for the sustenance of the existing cordial relations between the service and its host communities in the command.( NAN)
