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From Fred Itua, Abuja
The Senate, on Wednesday, constituted an adhoc Committee to investigate abuse of firearms by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The Committee headed by Francis Fadahunsi, is expected to report back within six weeks, after which the Upper Legislative Chamber will take a formal position on the issue and inform the Executive Arm accordingly.
The motion which came under ‘matter of public importance’, was sponsored by Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua from Katsina State.
Yar’Adua in the motion, said: “Some officers of the NCS who should be civil and professional in their engagements and handling of firearms have had a series of shootings of innocent citizens.
“Recall that on 14th August 2021, the former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, threatened to sue the NCS over the killing of residents during border drills in the state. During this same period, the House of Representatives invited the former Comptroller General of Customs Hamid Ali to appear before it to explain the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident.
“Disturbed by the recurring killings of innocent people by customs operatives in Katsina, the House of Representatives on 3rd February 2022 ordered the NCS to pay ₦390 million as compensation to families of 10 victims that were killed and 13 others injured in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.
“On 13th July 2023, the Chief of Staff to the Katsina state, Governor Jabiru Tsauri had a narrow escape from a harrowing assault from (NCS) officials. Officers of the NCS at a location near Gorar Yammama highway shot indiscriminately at the vehicle conveying the Chief of Staff to the governor with other aides and close family members.
“The inability to checkmate this recurring abuse of firearms by officers of the NCS , might lead to loss of innocent lives and possibly reprisal attacks by angered civilians.”
Other senators who contributed during the debate, recounted their various experiences and called for immediate action.
