Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed an attack on its operatives during a raid at Akokoro, Iwoye, in Ogun State’s Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, Zakaria Chado, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Idiroko.
He said the incident happened on Thursday around 4 pm when Customs officers, acting on a tip-off, stopped a 12-tyre truck suspected of carrying a huge stash of illicit goods, including drugs.
Chado explained that before reinforcement teams could reach the scene, the suspects mobilised a large group of armed hoodlums who carried out 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, preventing timely reinforcement.
“They opened fire on the officers and disabled a customs patrol vehicle by shooting at its tyres, creating a volatile and dangerous operational environment,” Chado said.
He confirmed that two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service were shot during the confrontation.
“During the exchange, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care,” he said.
Chado further stated that the suspects took advantage of the barricades to escape with the intercepted truck.
“Exploiting the multiple barricades, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.”
He noted that investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Area Controller of the command, Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric.
The area controller emphasized that violent resistance would not deter the Service from carrying out its mandate of combating smuggling and protecting national security.
He appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders within the command’s area of responsibility to caution residents against engaging in smuggling and attacks on security personnel.
Afeni warned that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
He also assured law-abiding residents of their safety and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to border security, public health, and the enforcement.
