One dead as Customs clash with smugglers in Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed that one suspected smuggler died during a gun duel with operatives following an attack on its anti-smuggling patrol team in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The command also arrested a suspect who allegedly claimed ownership of 46 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice recovered during the operation.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Zakari Chado, the incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. along the Alapoti bush path, where officers on routine patrol intercepted a convoy of motorcycles transporting the contraband rice.

According to him, the operatives seized the 50kg bags and loaded them into their patrol vehicle before attempting to leave the area.

However, they were reportedly ambushed by a large group armed with dane guns, stones, bottles and other weapons in an attempt to reclaim the seized goods.

“The officers maintained composure and repelled the attack after an intense exchange that lasted about 30 minutes,” Chado said, adding that one of the attackers sustained injuries and later died, while another suspect was apprehended and is being investigated.

The command described the assault as unprovoked, noting that it came barely a week after suspected drug traffickers attacked Customs personnel in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, leaving two officers with serious injuries.

Chado said the recent attacks were linked to intensified anti-smuggling efforts, which have led to major seizures of arms, ammunition, narcotics and other prohibited items.

Reacting to the incident, Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, calling it an assault on law enforcement.

He stressed that the command would not be deterred from carrying out its duties and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Afeni also assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.