Customs officer dies in boat mishap

A Customs officer attached to Western Marine Command has died in a boat mishap while chasing smugglers along Badagry water channel.

As at the time of the incident, the deceased, Assistant Inspector of Customs, Aliyu A. A, was on surveillance duty with his team along Vawhe-Usalu creeks.

It was learnt that the unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, March 22, 2021 at about 6pm.

The Public Relations Officer, Western Marine Command, Isah Sulaiman, in a statement confirming the incident, said the officer was attached to Akere Surveillance/Monitoring team under Idiroko Outstation, led by Inspector of Customs (IC) Ajayi AS with official patrol boat registration number CPM 191.

Sulaiman said at the time of the incident, the officer along with his team were acting on credible information along Vawhe-Isalu creeks when their boat had a mishap while trying to intercept a boat suspected to be carrying smuggled items.

“The accident resulted to the death of Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) Aliyu AA by drowning.

“AIC Aliyu AA hailed from Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“At this trying time, the Customs Area Controller on behalf of the Officers/Men of the WMC commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray for the repose of his soul and also for God to grant the deceased eternal rest,” he said.

The deceased has been buried in his hometown Funtua according to Islamic rites.