Customs Officers Ambushed by Armed Drug Traffickers in Ogun; Two Critically Injured

Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) were critically injured on Thursday following a violent ambush by suspected armed drug traffickers during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State.
The incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. at the Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, when operatives of the Ogun I Area Command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
According to the Service, the suspects swiftly mobilised a large group of armed hoodlums who launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team before reinforcement could arrive. In an apparent attempt to frustrate law enforcement efforts, the attackers mounted barricades at nine strategic points, effectively cutting off access routes and delaying support from nearby units.

The assailants reportedly opened fire on the Customs officers and disabled a patrol vehicle by shooting its tyres, creating a highly volatile operational environment. During the exchange, two Customs personnel sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed for urgent medical attention, where they are currently receiving intensive care.
Taking advantage of the barricades and confusion, the smugglers escaped with the intercepted truck.
Reacting to the attack, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a barbaric act against officers carrying out their lawful duties. He stressed that the violent resistance would not deter the Nigeria Customs Service from its mandate to combat smuggling and safeguard national security.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni also appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders within the command’s area to caution their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that perpetrators would be identified and made to face the full weight of the law.
He reassured law-abiding residents of their safety and reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Investigations are ongoing to track and apprehend all those involved in the attack.