Suspected terrorists believed to be affiliated with Boko Haram attacked a customs house in Geidam town, located in the Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State. Tragically, during the attack that occurred on October 21, 2023, one officer, identified as Usman Gombe, lost his life. The assailants arrived at the customs house along Maine Soroa road in a Volkswagen Golf and a Land Rover at approximately 10 pm. They initiated the attack by opening fire. As per a security source cited by Daily Trust, the insurgents targeted the customs house after ensuring that the customs officers had concluded their duties for the day. Faced with a hail of bullets, the officers sought safety by either escaping through the gate or scaling the fence. Regrettably, Officer Usman Gombe was shot and killed while attempting to climb the fence. Additionally, the attackers set fire to the customs patrol van, a generator, and a portion of the customs house building.
This incident marks the second time that customs officers have been targeted by Boko Haram insurgents. In the previous month, an officer named Babalola and his junior officer were abducted and subsequently killed by the insurgents. The residents of the town have reported an increase in the activities of Boko Haram insurgents in the vicinity of Geidam. They allege that these insurgents collect taxes from farmers and herders a few kilometers from the town, and no action has been taken to address this issue. Furthermore, the residents have raised concerns about the security forces, stating that over 17 checkpoints have been established within the town, where traders are also taxed when bringing goods through the same route, resulting in a challenging situation for the community.
