Officers of the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have faced a fresh attack from suspected smugglers following intensified anti-smuggling operations within the Command’s area of responsibility.
This incident comes barely a week after officers of the Command were attacked by suspected smugglers at the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, where two officers sustained life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving medical care.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Zakari Chado, the latest incident occurred at about 0600 hours on January 31, 2026, when officers on routine anti-smuggling patrol along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State intercepted a convoy of motorcycles conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice.
DSC Chado disclosed that a total of 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were seized and evacuated into an official patrol vehicle as the patrol team exited the location.
“While withdrawing from the scene, the officers were suddenly ambushed by a large mob armed with dangerous weapons, including Dane guns, stones, bottles, and charms, in a coordinated attempt to overwhelm the patrol team and recover the seized items.
“The officers maintained composure and successfully repelled the attack after an intense confrontation that lasted about thirty minutes. During the confrontation, one of the assailants got injured and succumbed to his injuries, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was apprehended and is currently undergoing investigation,” he said.
The spokesperson affirmed that the recent spate of attacks on the Command’s personnel is directly linked to the renewed and intensified anti-smuggling operations, which have led to significant seizures of arms, ammunition, narcotics, and other prohibited items within the area of responsibility.
He noted that the violent reactions highlight the determination of criminal elements to resist lawful enforcement and undermine national security.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and a direct assault on the rule of law.
DC Afeni reaffirmed that such resistance would not deter the Command or the Service from carrying out its statutory mandate, warning that all those involved in the attack would be identified and brought to justice.
He further assured law-abiding members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to their safety and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
