Suspected Drug Traffickers Attack Customs Officers in Ogun, Two Injured
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has confirmed a violent attack on its officers by suspected armed drug traffickers during an anti-smuggling operation at the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at about 1600 hours. According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Command, officers 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. In a deliberate attempt to obstruct law enforcement efforts, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points, blocking access routes and preventing timely reinforcement.
The assailants 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.
Taking advantage of the multiple barricades, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.
Investigations have since commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all those involved in the attack. Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric. He reaffirmed that such violent resistance would not deter the Command or the Service from discharging its statutory mandate to combat smuggling and protect national security.
He further 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, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law. The Acting Customs Area Controller also 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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