Violence at Border: Armed Smugglers Shoot Customs Officers, Escape with Drug-Laden Truck
Kathy Kyari
Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, are battling for their lives after suspected armed drug traffickers launched a violent, coordinated attack on a Customs patrol team during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State.
The incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, when Customs officers, 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 Command, the operation quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation as the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums before reinforcement teams could arrive. In a calculated attempt to obstruct law enforcement, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at nine strategic points, effectively cutting off access routes and preventing timely backup.
The assailants opened fire on the Customs officers and shot out the tyres of a patrol vehicle, plunging the area into what the Service described as a volatile and dangerous operational environment. During the exchange of gunfire, two Customs officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care.
Taking advantage of the multiple barricades and the chaos they created, the smugglers escaped from the scene with the intercepted truck.
Investigations have since commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all individuals 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 stressed that such violent resistance would not deter the Service from carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combat smuggling and protect national security, warning that those behind the attack would be brought to justice.
Deputy Comptroller Afeni also called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the Command’s area of responsibility to caution their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel, noting that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
He assured law-abiding members of the public of their safety and reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
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