Customs loses officer as Boko Haram terrorists attack

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service Geidam town outpost in Geidam LGA of Yobe State has been reportedly attacked by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

The unfortunate incident left one operative identified as Usman Gombe dead in the said Geidam
a border town with Maine-Soroa in the Niger Republic.

Local sources familiar with the area and incident has confirmed the attack even as security operatives and Yobe State government were yet to react stating that the attackers might have used the curfew period to easily move around the outskirts of the Geidam community to commit the atrocities.

Late Gombe

The attackers were said to have arrived on Saturday night, burnt down the Customs patrol vehicle, and snatched cell phones from passersby while the other officers fled for their lives.

The situation has left residents frightened as they are calling on security agencies and the government to address the pocket of attacks by the suspected insurgents in recent time.

the insurgents were said to have stormed the Customs office in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover around 10:00 pm on Saturday and started shooting.

It was also said they struck when they were sure the Customs officers had retired home. Panicked by the rain of bullets, the officers scampered for safety; some escaped through the gate, while others scaled the fence.

Unfortunately, one of the officers, Usman Gombe, was shot dead while attempting to climb the fence,” a security source told Daily Trust.

The assailants also burnt down the Customs patrol van, a generator, and part of the office building.

It is the second time the Boko Haram insurgents are killing Customs officers. Last month, an officer, Babalola, and his junior officer were abducted and later killed by the insurgents.

Geidam is located about 30 kilometres away from Nigeria/Niger Republic border.