The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed another violent attack on its officers by suspected smugglers during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State.
The incident occurred along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, according to a statement issued on Sunday in Ota by the command’s spokesperson, Zakari Chado.
Chado said the assault, which took place at about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, was the second attack on customs personnel within one week.
He recalled that a similar incident occurred at Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, where two officers sustained serious injuries during an ambush by suspected traffickers.
He explained that Customs officers were on a routine patrol when they intercepted a convoy of motorcycles transporting smuggled foreign parboiled rice along the Alapoti bush route.
The patrol team successfully seized 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and evacuated the items using an official patrol vehicle.
However, as the officers were withdrawing from the location, they were reportedly ambushed by a large mob armed with dangerous weapons.
“The attackers wielded dane guns, stones, bottles and charms in a coordinated attempt to overpower the patrol team and reclaim the seized items,” Chado said.
He added that the officers remained composed and repelled the assault after an intense confrontation that lasted about 30 minutes.
“During the encounter, one of the assailants sustained injuries and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently undergoing investigation,” he disclosed.
According to the spokesperson, the command has observed that the recent spate of attacks on its personnel is directly linked to intensified anti-smuggling operations across its area of responsibility, noting that the operations have resulted in significant seizures of arms, ammunition, narcotics and other prohibited goods.
Chado said the violent resistance by smugglers underscored the resolve of criminal networks to undermine lawful enforcement and national security.
He quoted the Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, as strongly condemning the attack, describing it as “barbaric and a direct assault on the rule of law.”
Afeni reaffirmed that such acts would not deter the command from discharging its statutory responsibilities, warning that all those involved in the attack would be identified and prosecuted.
He also assured law-abiding residents of the area of the command’s continued commitment to their safety and the strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.