The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed a violent attack on its personnel by suspected armed smugglers in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The command’s spokesperson, Zakaria Chado, disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Idiroko that the incident occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 p.m. while officers were acting on credible intelligence.
According to Chado, the officers had intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items when they were confronted by armed smugglers.
He said that before reinforcement teams could arrive, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums who launched a coordinated and well-planned attack on the patrol team.
“In a deliberate attempt to obstruct law enforcement operations, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points, effectively blocking all access routes and preventing timely reinforcement,” the statement said.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the Customs officers and disabled a patrol vehicle by shooting at its tyres, creating what the NCS described as a volatile and highly dangerous operational environment.
During the exchange of gunfire, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care.
Chado added that the smugglers exploited the multiple barricades to flee the scene with the intercepted truck before reinforcements could break through.
He confirmed that investigations had commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and a direct assault on national security.
Afeni stressed that such violent resistance would not deter the Service from carrying out its constitutional mandate of combating smuggling and safeguarding the nation’s borders.
He called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against engaging in smuggling activities or attacking security personnel, warning that offenders would face the full wrath of the law.
The Area Controller also assured law-abiding residents of the border communities of their safety, reiterating the NCS’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and the strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.