The office of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Geidam, Geidam LGA, Yobe State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday night by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
According to reports, the insurgents drove up to the office in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover, armed with guns, and opened fire at around 10:00 pm.
The unexpected attack caused the Customs officers to flee in panic, some through the gate and others over the fence.
Tragically, one Customs officer, Usman Gombe, lost his life during the attack.
“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.
He said the assailants also burnt down the Customs patrol van, a generator, and part of the office building.
“This 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,” the source said.
According to some residents of Geidam, Boko Haram insurgents have been increasingly active on the outskirts of the town in recent times.
They reportedly collect taxes from farmers and herdsmen within a few kilometres of the town, and no action has been taken to stop them.
“Instead, the security operatives have relocated over 17 checkpoints into the town where they also taxed traders that brought goods through the same route. We are in difficult condition in this town,” one of the traders alleged.