Suspected Armed Drug Traffickers Attack Customs Officers in Ogun State; Two Personnel Critically 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 Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at about 1600 hours, 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 who launched a coordinated attack on the patrol team. In a deliberate attempt to obstruct law enforcement operations, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine (9) strategic points, effectively 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, thereby creating a highly 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 and the chaos created, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck.

Investigation has commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all individuals involved in the attack. Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and an affront to national security.

He reaffirmed that such violent resistance will not deter the Command or the Nigeria Customs Service from discharging its statutory mandate of combating smuggling and protecting the nation’s borders. He 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, 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 Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to border security, public health, and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

Zakari Chado
Command Public Relations Officer
For: Acting Customs Area Controller
Ogun I Area Command

25 January 2026