The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed an on its personnel by suspected armed smugglers in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The command’s spokesperson, Mr Zakaria Chado, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday in Idiroko. According to him, the occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 pm when officers, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Chado explained that before reinforcement teams could arrive at the scene, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums who launched a coordinated and violent on the Customs patrol team. He said the ers deliberately mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points to block access routes, effectively preventing timely reinforcement.
During the assault, the smugglers reportedly opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by ing at its tyres, creating what the command described as a volatile and extremely dangerous operational environment. In the exce, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition while receiving intensive medical care.
Exploiting the multiple barricades and the ensuing chaos, the suspects fled the scene with the intercepted truck. Chado disclosed that investigations have commenced to identify, track and apprehend all individuals involved in the .
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the , describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He reaffirmed that such violent resistance would not deter the command or the Nigeria Customs Service from carrying out its mandate of combating smuggling and safeguarding national security.
Afeni called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against smuggling and s on security personnel, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law. He assured law-abiding residents of their safety and reiterated the NCS’s commitment to border security, public health and enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Wow, whats happening in the world? These armed smugglers ing officers is insane. Wheres the security? Soing needs to ce.
Cant believe the audacity of these smugglers! Shouldnt we be beefing up security to protect our officers? Just a thought.
Shouldnt authorities crack down harder on armed smugglers to protect officers? Its getting out of hand. Safety first!
I cant believe the audacity of these armed smugglers! When will the authorities take stronger action against such criminal activities?
This kind of violence is unacceptable! We need stricter border control measures to protect our officers. Stay safe out there!
Wow, the audacity of these armed smugglers! Do they have no regard for human life or law enforcement? Unbelievable.
This is insane! How can armed smugglers be so brazen? We need better security measures in place ASAP.
Why are armed smugglers becoming so bold? This is getting out of hand! Soing needs to be done ASAP!
This is outrageous! How can armed smugglers have the audacity to customs officers? Soing needs to be done to ensure their safety.