The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has recorded another violent assault on its officers barely one week after a similar attack by suspected smugglers at Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
Two of its officers, who sustained life-threatening injuries, are still receiving medical care.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Zakari Chado, explained in a statement that the latest incident occurred on Saturday at about 0600 hours when officers of the command, on a routine anti-smuggling patrol along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, intercepted a convoy of motorcycles conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice.
He said: “A total of 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were seized and evacuated into an official patrol vehicle as the team exited the location. While withdrawing from the scene, the officers were suddenly ambushed by a large mob armed with dangerous weapons, including dane guns, stones, bottles, and charms, in a coordinated attempt to overwhelm the patrol team and recover the seized items.
“The officers maintained composure and successfully repelled the attack after an intense exchange that lasted about thirty minutes.
During the confrontation, one of the assailants was injured and succumbed to his injuries, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was apprehended and is currently undergoing investigation.
“The command observes that the recent spate of attacks on its personnel is directly linked to the renewed and intensified anti-smuggling operations, which have led to significant seizures of arms, ammunition, narcotics, and other prohibited items within the area of responsibility.
These violent reactions underscore the determination of criminal elements to resist lawful enforcement and undermine national security.”
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack as barbaric and an assault on the rule of law.
He reaffirmed that such resistance will not deter the Command or the Service from carrying out its statutory mandate, warning that those involved will be identified and brought to justice, while assuring law-abiding members of the public of the command’s unwavering commitment to their safety and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
