Ogun Customs condemn attack on officers during anti-smuggling operation

Monday, January 26, 2026 - The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has vowed to bring to book the smugglers who launched a violent attack on its officers during an anti-smuggling operation at the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The command’s spokesperson, Zakari Chado, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

Chado said the attack occurred while officers of the command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

According to him, before reinforcement teams could arrive, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team.

“In a deliberate effort to obstruct law enforcement, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points to block access routes, thereby preventing timely reinforcement,” he said.

“They opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting out 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 they mounted, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.”

Chado added that the command has commenced an investigation into the attack and has begun efforts to identify, track and apprehend all those involved.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.

Afeni reaffirmed that such violent resistance would not deter the command or the service from discharging its statutory mandate of combating smuggling and protecting national security.

He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

The controller assured law-abiding members of the public of their safety and reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

It will be recalled that the command had recently made significant seizures of narcotics around border communities in the state, which were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.