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Gunfight in Ogun as Suspected Smugglers Attack Customs Officials
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Ogun has confirmed that its officers were attacked by suspected smugglers at Akokoro in Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon and left two Customs personnel critically injured.
Customs Intercepted Truck Before Attack
Zakaria Chado, the spokesperson for NCS Ogun 1 Area Command in Idiroko, said officers acted on credible intelligence to stop a 12-tyre truck.
The truck was suspected to be carrying a large quantity of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Chado said the officers had intercepted the vehicle when the attackers launched a coordinated assault.
Smugglers Used Barricades and Heavy Fire
Before reinforcements could arrive, the suspects gathered armed hoodlums and blocked access routes with barricades.
They set up barricades at nine points to prevent backup from reaching the scene.
Chado said the attackers opened fire on the officers and shot at the tyres of a Customs patrol vehicle.
This disabled the vehicle and created a dangerous environment for the officers.
Two Officers Injured, Smugglers Escape
During the exchange, two Customs officers were hit by gunshots and were taken to a hospital.
They are currently in critical condition and receiving intensive medical care.
Using the barricades, the smugglers escaped with the intercepted truck.
The Customs Service has begun investigations to identify and arrest the attackers.
Customs Calls for Community Support
Acting Customs Area Controller, Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack and said the violence will not stop Customs from fighting smuggling.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to warn residents against smuggling and attacking security personnel.
Afeni warned that offenders would face legal action.
He also assured the public that law abiding citizens are safe and that Customs remains committed to border security and public safety.
