Police Launch Probe Into Adamawa Man’s Death as Customs Face Heat

The Adamawa State Police Command has initiated an investigation into the death of a 35-year-old man, Ibrahim Usman, who reportedly died after being struck by a stray bullet allegedly fired by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service. The incident, which occurred around 4 p.m. on Wednesday in the Mubi South area, has triggered a wave of outrage and demands for accountability.

According to iReporter Online, the police swiftly responded to a distress call from the area where the tragic event unfolded. Officers from the Gude Divisional Headquarters, led by the Divisional Police Officer, arrived at the scene and evacuated the victim to the Federal Medical Centre in Mubi, where medical personnel confirmed him dead on arrival.

Suleiman Nguroje, the spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police, confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway. He explained that the Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, has mandated the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet probe into the incident. In addition, the Nigeria Customs Service has been officially notified about the situation.

“The command is assuring the public that justice will be pursued to its fullest extent and that the findings of the investigation will be made public in due course,” Nguroje stated.

According to iReporter Online, efforts to obtain comments from the Nigeria Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, were unsuccessful, as he had not responded to inquiries at the time this report was filed.

This incident is not the first time Customs personnel have been linked to civilian casualties. In a related case reported in November 2024, a bystander was killed by a stray bullet during a violent confrontation between Customs officers and suspected smugglers in the Obada Idi-Emi axis of Ogun State. According to iReporter Online, residents at the time recounted hearing multiple gunshots, leading to widespread panic and confusion.

The recent killing in Adamawa has renewed national concerns over the operational conduct of Customs officers in civilian zones, with many citizens and advocacy groups calling for a reevaluation of engagement rules and urgent reforms within the paramilitary agency.