The anti-smuggling operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), turned bloody as the operatives’ stray bullet hits two minors around Seme border.
The unfortunate incident occurred at the beach side of Carpenter village in Seme, when some suspected smugglers were stockpiling fuel to be smuggled to Benin Republic. A gun duel eventually ensued between the officers and smugglers when a stray bullet hit one Adomeh Henry (m) 10yrs and Hunsu Taiwo (m) 12yrs) at the ankle and back respectively.
The Public Relation Officer, NCS, Seme Command, Hussaini Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident to SlyNews, said the duo were responding to treatment at an hospital.
Abdullahi said: “On Friday, 3rd July, 2020 at about 17:00 hours, a joint patrol team of Seme Area Command based on credible intelligence went on an operation along Seme Carpenter Village and identified a hideout used by some unpatriotic elements to stockpile petroleum motor spirit (PMS) for unward smuggling to neighbouring Benin Republic.
“In an effort to evacuate the said item from the scene, some unscrupulous elements launched a vicious attack and aggressively advanced towards the scene of the seizure with assorted dangerous weapons with a desirous effort to set the place ablaze.
“Considering the volatility of the seized items involved and the fact that all efforts short of using force to halt the mob from advancing towards the scene proved abortive, officers were left with no option than to use their firearms in order to defend themselves and avoid the envisaged catastrophe.
“However, verifiable information later received indicated that two innocent young males were injured by stray bullets at back and ankle respectively ( Adomeh Henry (m) 10yrs and Hunsu Taiwo (m) 12yrs).
“In veiw of the above development and the utmost priority by the Command to always protect and respect the sanctity of human lives/safety in every operation, the injured fellows were immediately rushed to Customs Clinic for proper medical intervention and fortunately the result came out with no major damages. This gave room for prompt treatment of the patients at Customs facility and were consequently discharged strictly based on medical advice.
“On this note, the Command wish to register its unreserved displeasure with this unfortunate incident. As a responsible and responsive Service, we are working round the clock to partner with the family by providing all the necessary support to cushion the effect of this tragedy.
“Finally, the renewed hostility by smugglers and their accomplices will never be a distraction in discharging our statutory responsibilities. On the other hand daredevil smugglers will continue to meet their waterloo with no breathing space in Seme Area Command,” he stated.
