The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed an attack on its personnel at Akokoro, Iwoye, in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The Command’s spokesperson, Zakaria Chado, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Idiroko. He said the attack was carried out by suspected armed smugglers.
According to Chado, the incident occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 p.m. when officers of the command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
He said that before reinforcement teams could arrive, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team.
“In a deliberate attempt to obstruct law enforcement, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic locations to block access routes, thereby preventing timely reinforcement,” Chado said.
“They opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting at its tyres, creating a volatile and dangerous operational environment.”
During the exchange, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care.
Chado added that the smugglers exploited the multiple barricades to escape with the intercepted truck.
He said investigations have commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all those involved in the attack.
