Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, came under attack by suspected armed smugglers at Akokoro, Iwoye, in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, leaving two officers critically injured.
The Command’s Spokesperson, Zakaria Chado, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, saying the attack occurred at about 4:00 p.m. while officers intercepted a 12-tyre truck believed to be carrying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Chado explained that before reinforcements could arrive, the suspects mobilised armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated assault on the patrol team.
“The attackers erected heavy barricades at nine strategic points to block access routes, opened fire on the officers, and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting its tyres, creating a highly volatile environment,” he said.
During the confrontation, two Customs personnel sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving intensive medical care.
Exploiting the barricades, the smugglers reportedly escaped with the intercepted truck.
Investigations have commenced to identify and apprehend all those involved in the attack, Chado added.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the assault as barbaric, emphasising that such violent resistance would not deter the NCS from enforcing its mandate.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders within the area to discourage smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Afeni reassured law-abiding citizens of their safety and reiterated the Service’s commitment to border security, public health, and enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.