Customs Officer Killed as Ogun I Command Records Second Violent Attack in One Week

Customs Officer Killed as Ogun I Command Records Second Violent Attack in One Week

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a second violent attack on its officers within one week during anti-smuggling operations in Ogun State, underscoring growing resistance by suspected smugglers against enforcement activities.

The latest incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Alapoti area of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, where Customs officers on routine patrol intercepted a convoy of motorcycles conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice through a bush path.

According to the Command's Public Relations officer, DSC Zakari Chado "a total of 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were seized and evacuated into a patrol vehicle. However, while officers were withdrawing from the location, they were ambushed by a large mob armed with dangerous weapons, including Dane guns, stones, bottles and charms, in an apparent attempt to recover the seized items"

The confrontation, which lasted about 30 minutes, was described as intense. The officers reportedly maintained professionalism and successfully repelled the attack. During the clash, one of the assailants sustained injuries and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently under investigation.

The incident came barely one week after a similar attack at Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, where suspected smugglers assaulted Customs officers, leaving two of them with life-threatening injuries. The injured officers are still receiving medical treatment.

Reacting to the development, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric and a direct assault on the rule of law.

He noted that the recent spate of violence is linked to the Command’s renewed and intensified anti-smuggling operations, which have resulted in significant seizures of prohibited items, including arms, ammunition, narcotics and foreign rice.

Deputy Comptroller Afeni assured that the Nigeria Customs Service would not be deterred by criminal elements, stressing that all those involved in the attacks would be identified and brought to justice. He also reassured law-abiding residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety and strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The Ogun I Area Command reiterated its resolve to sustain its anti-smuggling drive in the interest of national security and economic stability.