Smugglers attack Customs officers, one killed in Ogun clash

By Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun

The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed another violent attack on its officers in Ogun State, barely one week after a similar assault left two personnel with life-threatening injuries in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area.

Officers of the Ogun I Area Command came under attack at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, while conducting a routine anti-smuggling patrol along a bush path in Alapoti, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Zakari Chado, the patrol team intercepted a convoy of motorcycles transporting smuggled foreign parboiled rice.

A total of 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were seized and evacuated into an official patrol vehicle.

However, as the officers were withdrawing from the area, they were ambushed by a large mob armed with weapons including Dane guns, stones, bottles and charms in an apparent attempt to recover the seized items.

The statement said the officers maintained their composure and successfully repelled the attack after an intense confrontation that lasted about 30 minutes. During the clash, one of the assailants sustained injuries and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently undergoing investigation.

The command noted that the recent spate of attacks on customs personnel was linked to intensified anti-smuggling operations within the area, which have resulted in significant seizures of prohibited items.

It described the attacks as a deliberate attempt by criminal elements to undermine lawful enforcement and national security.

Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the assault, describing it as an attack on the rule of law.

He warned that such actions would not deter the service from discharging its statutory responsibilities and assured residents of the command’s continued commitment to public safety and strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.