Troops Foil Mob Attack on Customs Officer in Katsina
Troops of 17 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have prevented an attempted mob action against a personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service following a violent altercation in a border community.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred on May 21 in Birnin Kuka community after troops received a distress call reporting that a Customs officer, identified as Inspector Lawal NM, was being attacked by angry youths.
According to the sources, the mob accused the officer of shooting a resident, identified as Sadiku Kata, during an altercation between the two men.
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Troops, working in collaboration with police personnel, immediately mobilised to the area to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
On sighting the approaching security operatives, the irate youths reportedly fled the scene, abandoning the Customs officer.
However, before the arrival of the combined security team, the mob had already set ablaze a Peugeot 406 vehicle belonging to the officer.
The Customs personnel was subsequently rescued and evacuated from the area by security operatives.
Security officials said the swift intervention by troops and police personnel prevented the situation from escalating further and possibly saved the officer from being lynched by the mob.
Following the incident, security forces conducted patrols within the community and surrounding areas to restore calm and forestall further violence.
