The Senate has condemned the indiscriminate shooting by customs officers in Katsina State, particularly on 13 July 2023. In response, the Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the customs killings of vulnerable Nigerians by customs officers.
This decision was made following a motion raised by Senator Abdulaziz Yaradua on the floor of plenary on Wednesday. The motion was titled “Urgent Need to Investigate the Abuse of Firearms by Officers of Nigeria Customs Service in Katsina State.”
Several lawmakers, including Senators Ahmad Lawan, Solomon Olamilekan, Ningi, and Fadahunsi Francis, expressed their concerns and condemned the killings of civilians. They called for customs officers to be trained in handling firearms and ammunition before being allowed to operate them.
The upper chamber resolved to urge the Nigeria Customs to investigate the incident and identify the officers involved. The Senate also called for the Nigeria Customs Service to train its officers in engaging with civilians.
