The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has commenced a manhunt for smugglers who violently attacked its officers during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State, leaving two personnel critically injured.
The incident occurred at Akokoro community in Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, when Customs officers, acting on intelligence reports, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be transporting illicit drugs and other prohibited goods.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Zakari Chado, said the situation escalated before reinforcement teams could arrive.
According to him, the suspects mobilised armed individuals who carried out a coordinated assault on the patrol team.
“The attackers deliberately blocked access routes by erecting heavy barricades at about nine strategic locations, making it difficult for reinforcement teams to reach the officers on time,” Chado said.
He added that the smugglers opened fire on the officers and damaged a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting its tyres, creating what he described as a highly volatile and dangerous environment.
“During the exchange, two officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving intensive medical attention in critical condition,” he stated.
Chado disclosed that the smugglers eventually escaped with the intercepted truck, taking advantage of the multiple barricades they had mounted across the area.
Reacting to the attack, the Acting Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable.
“Such acts of violence will not discourage the Nigeria Customs Service from carrying out its statutory responsibility of combating smuggling and safeguarding national security,” Afeni said.
He called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the command’s jurisdiction to caution residents against engaging in smuggling or attacking security operatives, warning that offenders would be made to face the full weight of the law.
The controller also assured law-abiding residents of their safety, reiterating the command’s commitment to border security, public health, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Meanwhile, the command confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack.
The incident comes barely weeks after the command recorded major seizures of narcotics in border communities across the state, which were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
