The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has confirmed a violent attack on some of its officers by suspected armed drug traffickers during an anti-smuggling operation at Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, last week.
The Public Relations Officer, Ogun I Command Idiroko-Ogun State, Chado Zakari anipr, who confirmed this in a statement, disclosed that the incident 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 the statement, 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 (9) strategic points to block access routes, preventing timely reinforcement, the statement 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, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.
Investigation has commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all those involved in the attack, the statement said.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the act as barbaric and reaffirmed that such violent resistance will not deter the Command or the Service from discharging its statutory mandate to combat smuggling and protect national security.
He further implored 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 will face the full weight of the law.
He assured members of the public of their safety and reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.