The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, said it has commenced a thorough investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the Osogbo incident where two people were reported dead during the service’s anti-smuggling patrol in the area.
The Command disclosed this in a statement on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, Abdulmalik Akintola, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, obtained by The PUNCH.
Akintola stressed that the Command is saddened by the view of the unfortunate event in a video currently circulating on social media and a subsequent press release by the Osun State Police Command concerning the incident reported to have happened on 15 March along the Osogbo axis.
According to him, the Command recognises the public concern generated by these reports and considers it essential to provide a professional perspective while efforts are underway to establish the full facts.
Akintola maintained that preliminary information indicates that officers attached to the Command’s patrol team were on routine enforcement duty within the Osogbo axis, “attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles (Tokunbo).
This operation aligns with the Service’s statutory responsibility to suppress smuggling and enforce trade regulations.”
“It is pertinent to note that the Command deeply regrets the loss of life recorded in the incident and extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. The Service recognises the sanctity of human life and remains committed to ensuring that its enforcement operations are conducted with the utmost sense of responsibility and professionalism. Furthermore, the command has commenced a thorough investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the incident as depicted by the circulating footage. This review includes an audit of the operational mandates of the officers identified as Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel to determine if their actions and the tactical approach used adhered to the Service’s strict rules of engagement,” Akintola said.
He reiterated that the Service remains a disciplined and professional organisation committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting lives.
“While we maintain a strong working relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, we urge a harmonised and objective investigation that accounts for all forensic variables, including the origin of the discharged ammunition,” he added.
The Command’s image maker urged members of the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.
“We advise against the spread of unverified information that could incite unnecessary tension between sister security agencies or within the community. The outcome of this investigation will guide necessary actions in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Akintola stressed.
