Tension As Security Operatives Kill Suspected Smuggler In Jigawa Border Community

There was tension at a border community in Jigawa State on Monday where a team of security operatives on patrol killed a suspected rice smuggler, Tasiu Muhammad.

The incident occurred in Babura Local Government Area of the state, following the closure of the nation’s border.

The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa, Mr Bala Zama, confirmed this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Police Command Headquarters in Dutse, the state capital.

READ ALSO: We Have Saved N1.4bn, Arrested Over 460 Smugglers, Migrants Since Border Closure – Customs CG

According to him, some people who claim to be relatives of the deceased have reported to the Divisional Police Officer in Babura.

They said the security team of shot Muhammad dead and took off, although they could not ascertain what agency they belong to.

Attempts to get a response from the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service in Jigawa were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off at the time of filing this report.

The Federal Government closed the nation’s borders across the country in August over what it described as the massive smuggling activities that have taken place recently.

Addressing a news conference on Monday in Abuja, the Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) said Nigeria has saved N1.4 billion since the closure.

He added that a total of 317 suspected smugglers and 146 illegal migrants were also arrested during the period.