Some hoodlums have attacked operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area Command 1 and the Nigerian Army, injuring one person and destroyed two patrol vans at Obada–Idiemi along Imeko Afon area of Ogun State.
It was learnt that the attack occurred when the patrol team stormed a hideout used by suspected smugglers to stockpile smuggled rice and other prohibited items around 2:30am on Monday.
The hoodlums reportedly shot at the officers and injured a youth who was said to be assisting the team in evacuating the seized items.
Two official vehicles attached to the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Customs Service were also said to have been riddled with bullets.
Customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, said the youth that was hit by a stray bullet has been rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“However, the team gallantly responded to the aggression and succeeded in evacuating one hundred and ten (110) bags of smuggled parboiled rice of 50kg each. Also, one suspect was arrested in connection with the incident and is currently undergoing interrogation.
“Similarly, the CAC Special Taskforce led by ASC I M Lawal made another discovery of new antics being employed by smugglers to beat ‘the eagle eyes’ of Officers and Men of the Command.
“Large quantity of Smuggled rice which were carefully concealed in a volvo truck with Chasis number: YB1E6A2A2JB420916 and registration number: FFF–897 ZC (Ogun state) was criminaly disguised as Cassava Flour (White Elubo), Fufu and Maize. Further examination revealed four hundred and ten (410) bags of smuggled parboiled rice of 50kg each deceptively packaged in the said vehicle.
“To this end, Comptroller Agbara Michael assured members of the public that the renewed hostilities by armed smugglers will not deter the Command from discharging its statutory responsibilities.
“He emphatically pledged to decisively stop all forms of aggressions applied by smugglers in the interest of social and economic prosperity of our dear country.
“Finally, the CAC wishes to express the command’s profound appreciation firstly to the Comptroller General of Customs and his amiable management, other sister agencies, traditional leaders, eminent personalities and some host communities for their unconditional support towards effectively securing our nation against the nefarious activities of smugglers”, the Customs spokesman said.
