Ogun Customs fault smuggler attempting to disarm officer on duty …Says Customs implement fiscal policies for economic growth
Ogun Customs fault smuggler attempting to disarm officer on duty
.Says Customs implement fiscal policies for economic growth
By Udeme Clement
The Public Relations Officer, PRO, Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ogun 1- Command, Mr Abdullahi Maiwada has condemned in totality the action by a smuggler attempting to disarm an officer on duty.
He cautioned the public against physical confrontation with officers carrying out their statutory functions, emphasizing that Customs is implementing the fiscal policies of Federal Government, in order to enhance economic growth and development.
Maiwada also advised members of the public to be law abiding and avoid physical confrontation that may lead to any incident.
He stressed, “It is emphatically clear that the rule of government specifically permits a proper officer to defend himself when his life is evidently in danger.”
His explanation, “At the wee hours of Monday October 21, 2019, about 0200hours, officers of Ogun 1- Command, on routine patrol intercepted a vehicle conveying prohibited items suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria.
“At the initial stage, the suspected smuggler conveying the aforementioned items took to his heels but later mobilised his compatriots for a mob action against lawful officers on duty”.
He went on, “In the process, the suspected smuggler and owner of the smuggled items engaged an armed officer in physical battle, in a bid to disarm him. In the ensuing struggle, the officer appropriately exercised his superior power in self defense, leading to the death of the yet to be identified smuggler”.
He pointed out, “As at the time of filling this report, the deceased had been deposited in an undisclosed mortuary, while the exhibit is secured in government warehouse for further investigation.
“It is however important to finally reiterate that the Service is a leading agency in collaboration with other agencies implementing the fiscal policies of government. Members of the public are advised to be law abiding and avoid any confrontation that may lead to such avoidable incident.
“It is emphatically clear that the rule of government specifically permits a proper officer to defend himself when his life is evidently in danger.”