Barricades Won’t Block Our Mission: NCS Stands Strong Against Violence, Smuggling
Barricades Won’t Block Our Mission: NCS Stands Strong Against Violence, Smuggling
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has confirmed that suspected armed drug traffickers attacked its officers during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State, leaving two personnel critically injured.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at about 4:00 p.m. in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.
According to the Command, its officers were acting on credible intelligence when they intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
Before reinforcement teams could arrive, the suspects reportedly mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums who launched a coordinated and violent attack on the Customs patrol team. In an apparent attempt to obstruct law enforcement operations, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points along access routes, effectively preventing timely reinforcement.
The hoodlums opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting out its tyres, creating a highly volatile and dangerous situation. During the exchange of gunfire, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition while receiving intensive medical care.
Taking advantage of the multiple barricades, the suspected smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.
The Nigeria Customs Service has since commenced investigations to identify, track, and apprehend all those involved in the attack. Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
Afeni stressed that such violent resistance would not deter the Command or the Service from carrying out its statutory mandate of combating smuggling and safeguarding national security.
He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the Command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against engaging in smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that perpetrators would face the full weight of the law.
The Acting Customs Area Controller further assured law-abiding residents of their safety and reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health protection, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The statement was signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Zakari Chado, on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, and dated 25 January 2026.
About The Author
