The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has confirmed a violent attack on its officers by suspected armed drug traffickers during an anti-smuggling operation at Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State, in which two personnel sustained critical injuries.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Zakari Chado, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said the officers acted on credible intelligence to intercept a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Mr Chado explained that In an apparent attempt to frustrate law enforcement efforts, the attackers mounted barricades at about nine strategic locations, blocked access routes and opened fire on the officers, while a Customs patrol vehicle was disabled after its tyres were shot.
The Command’s Spokeperson explained that During the attack, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and were currently receiving intensive medical attention, as the smugglers reportedly escaped with the seized truck amid the chaos.
Reacting to the development, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Mr Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack and disclosed that investigations had commenced to track and apprehend those responsible, while urging traditional rulers and community leaders to caution their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel.