By ebosele@hotmail.com
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has confirmed a violent attack on its officers by suspected armed drug traffickers during an anti-smuggling operation at the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., when officers of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items. Before reinforcement teams could arrive, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated assault on the patrol team.
In an apparent attempt to obstruct law enforcement efforts, the attackers erected heavy barricades at about nine strategic points along access routes, effectively preventing timely reinforcement. They opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting out its tyres, creating a highly volatile and dangerous operational environment.
During the exchange of gunfire, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries. They are currently in critical condition and are receiving intensive medical care. Taking advantage of the multiple barricades and the ensuing confusion, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.
Investigations have since commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack. Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He reaffirmed that such acts of violence will not deter the Command or the Service from carrying out its statutory mandate of combating smuggling and safeguarding national security.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni further called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the Command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against engaging in smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that perpetrators will face the full weight of the law.
He assured law-abiding members of the public of their safety and reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
—Zakari Chado,
Command Public Relations Officer
