The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed that its operatives came under attack at Akokoro, Iwoye, in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Zakaria Chado, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Idiroko, revealing that the assault was carried out by suspected armed smugglers.
According to Chado, the incident occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 p.m. when Customs officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck believed to be transporting a large quantity of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods.
He explained that the situation escalated before backup teams could arrive, as the suspects mobilised armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol officers.
“In a deliberate effort to obstruct law enforcement, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points to block access routes, preventing timely reinforcement.
”They opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting at its tyres, creating a volatile and dangerous operational environment.
”During the exchange, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care.
“Exploiting the multiple barricades, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.
“Investigation has commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all those involved in the attack, ” Chado said.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric.
He stressed that such violent acts would not discourage the Command or the Service from carrying out its responsibility of suppressing smuggling and safeguarding national security.
Afeni appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders across the Command’s jurisdiction to warn their subjects against engaging in smuggling activities or attacking security operatives, cautioning that anyone found culpable would face the full force of the law.
He further assured law-abiding citizens of their safety and reiterated the NCS’s firm commitment to border protection, public health, and the strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
