In a tragic incident along the Daura-Kano Road in Jigawa State, Inspector of Customs Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo lost his life during a stop and search operation conducted by the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B. The incident occurred on Friday, 12 July 2024, when a suspected smuggled vehicle struck and fatally injured Inspector Hamza while attempting to evade arrest.
Inspector Hamza, born on 15 April 1985 and hailing from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, joined the Nigeria Customs Service in 2013 and rose to the rank of Inspector of Customs in 2022. He leaves behind a wife and two children. After sustaining critical injuries, he was initially treated at General Hospital Kazaure before being transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead.
Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, Head of the Federal Operations Unit Zone B, expressed deep condolences on behalf of the entire unit to the family of the deceased. “This tragic incident underscores the dangers our officers face in the line of duty,” he stated, emphasizing the reckless actions of smugglers who disregard human life.
Highlighting the unit’s commitment to justice, Comptroller Shuaibu confirmed the arrest of one suspect involved in the incident, now in custody at the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa State. He affirmed that the unit would continue its steadfast efforts against smuggling activities despite the risks involved.
Inspector Isah Sulaiman, Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer for the Federal Operations Unit Zone B, conveyed these sentiments in a press statement released on 13 July 2024. The statement concluded with a resolute message from Comptroller Shuaibu, affirming that the Nigeria Customs Service remains undeterred in its mission to uphold national security and enforce regulatory measures against smuggling.
The tragic loss of Inspector Hamza Abdullahi Elenwo serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in carrying out their duties to protect the nation’s borders.