Two Customs Officers Injured in Attack by Suspected Drug Traffickers During Ogun Operation

Operatives of Ogun 1 Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday 22 January 2026, were attacked by suspected armed drug traffickers during an anti-smuggling operation at Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.

The traffickers, who were attempting to smuggle illicit drugs, opened fire on the officers, disabled their patrol vehicle and injured two officers, currently receiving medical care.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday, 25 January 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Zakari Chado.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at around 4pm, 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.

“Before reinforcement teams could arrive, the suspects mobilised a large number of armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team,” the statement partly reads.

The attack was a well planned mission, as the traffickers, according to the statement, mounted heavy barricades at about nine (9) strategic points to block access routes, and also prevent timely reinforcement.

“They opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting out 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. Exploiting the multiple barricades, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck”.

Meanwhile, the Command has condemned the attack and vowed to track down the perpetrators.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, called the act as barbaric, reaffirming such violent resistance will not deter the Command or the Service from discharging its statutory mandate to combat smuggling and protect national security.

He called on traditional rulers and community leaders within the Command’s area of operation to caution their subjects against smuggling and attacks on security personnel, warning that offenders will face the full weight of the law.

The Acting Customs Area Controller further assured law-abiding members of the public of their safety and reiterated the Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.