The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed an attack on its personnel in the Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon local government of Ogun.
Zakaria Chado, spokesperson for the command, confirmed the attack, carried out by suspected armed smugglers, in a statement on Sunday in Idiroko.
Chado said the incident occurred while officers of the command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected of transporting a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
The spokesperson said two members of his staff were seriously injured in the attack which occurred on Thursday around 4:00 p.m.
According to him, before the reinforcement teams arrived, the suspects mobilized a large number of armed thugs and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol.
“In a deliberate effort to obstruct law enforcement, the attackers set up heavy barricades at around nine strategic points to block access routes, preventing timely reinforcement.
“They opened fire on officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting out its tires, creating a volatile and dangerous operating environment.
“During the exchange, two Nigerian Customs Service officers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently in critical condition receiving intensive medical care.
“Taking advantage of the multiple barricades, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.
“The investigation has begun to identify, trace and arrest all those involved in the attack,” Chado said.
Mr. Olukayode Afeni, Acting Deputy Comptroller of Customs, condemned the act as barbaric and reaffirmed that such violent resistance would not deter the Command or the Service from fulfilling their mandate to combat smuggling and ensure national security.
Afeni called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the Command’s area of responsibility to warn their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that violators would face the full wrath of the law.
The Area Comptroller assured law-abiding members of the public of their safety and reiterated the NCS’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.