How Nigeria Customs Service bribed bandits with seized bags of rice to save their lives

The Nigeria Customs Service has narrated how its operatives offered bandits seven bags of seized rice from smugglers to save their lives from gunmen.

Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed, who is the Coordinator of the Sector 4 Command of the Joint Border Patrol Team in the North-West, revealed this in a press briefing on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, in Katsina state.

He noted that the bandits were operating in the Dutsinma Local Government Area of the state.

Mohammed explained that the Customs officials had entered the bush where the bandits were taking shelter. Adding that it was the same area smugglers use in bringing contrabands into the state.

“We (the operatives) seized 37 bags of rice and the bandits asked for seven bags before allowing them to pass and save their lives.

“So, you see the risk we take but people, especially those living along the border communities engaged in attacking our officers,” he said.

The comptroller noted that from February 1, 2021, the Custom has intercepted contraband worth over N304,325,850.90 and also arrested four smugglers in Katsina state.