Troops Foil Mob Action Against Customs Officer in Katsina after reckless shooting of local

By: Zagazola Makama 

Troops of 17 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Mashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have foiled an attempted mob action against a personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service following a violent altercation at a border community.

Security sources said the incident occurred on May 21 at Birnin Kuka Community in Mashi Local Government Area after troops received a distress call from residents reporting that an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, identified as Inspector Lawal NM, was under attack by angry youths.

According to the sources, the mob accused the Customs officer of shooting a local resident identified as Sadiku Kata during an altercation between the two individuals.

Troops, in collaboration with police personnel, immediately mobilised to the scene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

On sighting the approaching security team, the irate youths reportedly abandoned the Customs officer and fled the area.

However, before the arrival of the combined security team, the mob had already set ablaze a Peugeot 406 vehicle belonging to the Customs personnel.

The officer was subsequently rescued and evacuated from the scene by security operatives.

Security officials noted that 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 prevent further violence.