Panic erupted at the Eleyele Roundabout in Ibadan on the morning of Sunday, February 15, 2026, after officers of the Nigeria Customs Service engaged in a high‑speed pursuit of a bus carrying rolls of fabric, culminating in a crash, gunfire and injuries.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the drama began at approximately 8:30 a.m. when customs operatives on patrol signaled the driver of the commercial bus to stop.
Instead of complying, the driver allegedly attempted to evade the officers, prompting a chase through the busy Eleyele junction.
“One moment the bus was moving, then suddenly the officers were alongside shouting and pointing,” said one resident who witnessed the chase. “Before we knew it, the vehicle swerved, hit a divider and flipped over.”
Eyewitnesses further claimed that as bystanders gathered around the scene, some youths began hurling stones at the customs operatives.
In the confusion that followed, officers reportedly discharged their firearms to control the escalating situation, forcing residents and commuters to flee for cover.
During the chaos, a stray bullet struck a young boy standing near a roadside stall. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital by concerned onlookers. His condition remains unknown at the time of reporting.
Reacting to the incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ayanlade Olushola, confirmed the sequence of events to our correspondent on Monday.
“The police were called in to assist with crowd management after a suspicious vehicle overturned,” ASP Olushola said.
“Preliminary reports indicate that in the process of restoring order, there was an exchange that resulted in the discharge of firearms. We are currently tracing the victim and will ensure he receives the necessary medical attention.”
When asked for comment, a for the Nigeria Customs Service acknowledged awareness of the situation but noted that an official statement was still being preparespokespersond.
“We are closely monitoring developments and have launched an internal review,” the spokesman said. “Our priority remains the safety of the public and ensuring that all operational procedures were followed appropriately.”
Following the crash and subsequent tension, customs officers reportedly removed the seized fabrics from the overturned bus and departed the scene, leaving residents to clear up debris from the busy traffic point.
Local community leaders have since called for a transparent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, urging authorities to release body‑cam or dash‑cam footage of the operation.
