An attack on officers of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ogun State has left two personnel fighting for their lives after suspected armed smugglers launched a violent assault on a patrol team.
The Ogun 1 Area Command in Idiroko confirmed that the incident took place in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, within Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Zakaria Chado, the officers were acting on credible intelligence when they intercepted a 12-tyre lorry believed to be transporting a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods.
Chado explained that the patrol team was ambushed last Thursday at around 4 pm. Before reinforcements could reach them, the suspects reportedly rallied a group of armed accomplices who carried out a coordinated attack.
He said barricades were erected at multiple strategic points to block access roads, delaying backup teams and trapping the officers at the scene.
According to him, the attackers opened fire, disabling a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting its tyres and creating what he described as “a highly dangerous operational situation.”
He said during the exchange, two officers sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving intensive medical treatment in critical condition.
He claimed that the suspected smugglers escaped with the seized truck by taking advantage of the roadblocks they had created.
Chado said investigations have now been launched to identify and apprehend those involved in the attack.
He quoted the acting Area Controller of the command, Olukayode Afeni, as condemning the assault, describing it as a barbaric act.
He stressed that violent resistance would not discourage the service from carrying out its duty to combat smuggling and safeguard national security.
Afeni appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders across the command’s jurisdiction to warn residents against engaging in smuggling or attacking security personnel, cautioning that offenders would face the full force of the law.
He also reassured law-abiding citizens of their safety and restated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to border protection, public health and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.