Two customs officers and unspecified number of travelers were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen along Jibya Basari Road in Katsina State on Wednesday.
The officers were said to be on official duty when about 40 armed men on 20 motorbikes, with each motorcycle carrying additional passenger, accosted them opening fire.
Confirming the incident, spokesman for Nigeria Customs Service, Joseph Attah, said that two customs officers, were abducted alongside some travelers, whose number he could not ascertain as at press time.
He said while the attack was on, distress calls were made for reinforcement by nearest army formation but the abductors left with their victims before help came. He added that there was exchange of gunfire between the soldiers and abductors before they left with their victims.
He described the incident as unfortunate and one of the hazards faced by operatives of the Nigeria Customs in the fight against smuggling and preventing dangerous goods from entering the country.
“Two of our officers, an Inspector and a Customs Assistant were abducted on duty. This is part of the hazards of our job which our operatives face daily while preventing smuggling and enforcing government’s prohibition orders.
“Our morale is not dampened by this unfortunate incident. We will continue to do the duties we have signed to do in the interest of the country and her citizens,” Attah said.
