Radda, condemns alleged harassment of Katsina residents by customs

The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed his disappointment over the repeated assaults of residents of some Katsina communities, by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, anti-smuggling special force.

While noting that the Nigerian law clearly prohibits goods that could not be allowed into the country, Radda expressed worry over the alarming rate of proliferation of arms and ammunition into the country.

The Katsina Governor, however, warned that his administration would henceforth not condone the continued harassment of Katsina citizens carrying out their legitimate businesses, by Customs’ anti-smuggling personnel.

Nonetheless, he urged the NCS to renew its fight against smuggling of arms and illicit drugs, fueling armed banditry across States in the North West and Central geo-political zones.

The Katsina Governor disclosed this when the Senate adhoc Committee investigating the incessant killings of people smuggling rice and other prohibited goods into the country by officers of the Nigeria Customs paid him a courtesy visit at the state government house on Monday.

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The committee, led by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, has the following senators as members: Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, Adeola Olamilekan, Shuaib Salisu, Kawu Sumaila, Tony Nwoye and Suleiman Sadiq.

Together with the committee to see the Governor were some senior customs officials from the Federal Operations Unit Zone B.

Governor Radda observed that, “In as much as it is essential to stop the smuggling of food items such as rice and tiger nuts among others, it is more of a priority for the Customs to curb the movement of arms and illicit drugs through our borders because these contraband items end up in the hands of armed bandits.

“Curbing the smuggling of arms will also complement ongoing efforts by security agencies in the fight against bandits and other armed groups operating in different parts of the country. I have interacted at length with the members of the committee, we support their work, and we hereby call on our people that reside along the borders to cooperate with them.”

Radda, speaking further, expressed dismay at the increasing harassment suffered by members of Jibia border communities in the hands of customs officials.

This, he said, has compounded the movement of consumable goods from and to the area.

Earlier, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Francis Fadaunshi, said they were in Katsina State on a fact finding mission over the alleged harassment of members of Jibia communities by personnel of the Nigeria Customs.

This, he said, followed a motion raised by the Senator representing Katsina Central, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, seeking the intervention of the apex chamber.