The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced an investigation into the fatal incident that occurred during anti-smuggling operations along the Osogbo axis.
This follows the unfortunate incident captured in a video currently circulating on social media and a subsequent press release by the Osun State Police Command concerning the event, which reportedly occurred along the Osogbo axis on March 15, 2026.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abdulmalik Akintola, the Command expressed sadness over the incident and acknowledged the public concern generated by the reports.
“It is essential to provide a professional perspective while efforts are underway to establish the full facts. However, preliminary information indicates that officers attached to the Oyo/Osun Area Command patrol team were on routine enforcement duty within the Osogbo axis, attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles (Tokunbo).
“This operation aligns with the Service’s statutory responsibility to suppress smuggling and enforce trade regulations. It is pertinent to note that the Command deeply regrets the loss of life recorded in the incident and extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” the statement partly reads.
AS Akintola noted that the NCS recognises the sanctity of human life and reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to ensuring that its enforcement operations are conducted with the utmost sense of responsibility and professionalism.
While confirming that the Command has commenced a thorough investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding the incident as reflected in the circulating footage, he disclosed that the review includes an audit of the operational mandates of the officers identified — Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel — to determine whether their actions and the tactical approach used adhered to the Service’s strict Rules of Engagement (ROE).
The spokesperson stressed that the Service remains a disciplined and professional organisation committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting lives.
Akintola also affirmed the strong working relationship between Customs and the Nigeria Police Force, and called for a harmonised and objective investigation that accounts for all forensic variables, including the origin of the discharged ammunition.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, while advising against the spread of unverified information that could incite unnecessary tension between sister security agencies or within the community.
It added that the outcome of the investigation will guide necessary actions in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
