We offer bandits seven bags of seized rice to save our lives – Custom officers recount ordeal

Commenting on the challenges Custom officers go through while discharging their duties, Aliyu Mohammed, coordinator of the sector 4 command, joint border patrol team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the North-West, said he had to offer 7 bags of seized rice to bandits in exchange for freedom.

Aliyu made the disclosure while briefing journalist on Tuesday, in Kastina State.

He said that the incident occurred in Dutsinma LGA of the Kastina. He also said that the gunmen asked for 7 out of the 37 bags of rice they seized at the time, if the officers wanted to be released alive.

He explained that Custom operatives do not get enough support from the people living in the area.

He explained that, one time the bandits told locals to hurl stones at them. He said the natives of the area didn’t waste time on doing the bidding of the bandits.

He said, “The challenge we have is that the people we are working for are not supporting us. If we have any problem, just accidental discharge in a village, the whole people will bounce on customs.”

“If you make seizure, instead of the villagers to assist you, they may end up attacking you”.

“I sacrificed my life to enter the bush where the bandits, the last time we had contact with them to the extent that they were a little bit friendly with us.”

“We seized 37 bags of rice and they said if we are to go, they have to take seven bags. So, we gave them 7 bags to save our lives.”

“So, you see the risks we take, but people, especially those living along the border communities, engage in attacking our officers.”