The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a second violent attack on its officers within one week during an anti smuggling operation in Ogun State.
The latest incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on January 31, 2026, along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area. Customs officers on routine patrol intercepted a convoy of motorcycles conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice.
According to the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, forty-six bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were seized and loaded into an official patrol vehicle. However, while the officers were withdrawing from the area, they were reportedly ambushed by a large group suspected to be smugglers.
The mob, armed with weapons including Dane guns, stones, bottles, and charms, allegedly attempted to overpower the patrol team and recover the seized goods. The confrontation lasted for about thirty minutes before the officers were able to repel the attack.
During the clash, one of the assailants was injured and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently under investigation.
The incident comes barely one week after a similar attack at Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, where two customs officers sustained serious injuries and are still receiving medical treatment.
Reacting to the development, Afeni, described the attack as barbaric and an assault on the rule of law.
He linked the repeated attacks to the Command’s renewed and intensified anti smuggling operations, which have led to major seizures of prohibited items, including arms, ammunition, and narcotics.
Afeni reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing its statutory responsibilities, stressing that violent resistance would not discourage officers from carrying out their duties.
The CAC warned that those involved in the attacks would be identified and prosecuted, while assuring residents of the Command’s continued dedication to protecting lives, property, and national security in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He also called on members of the public to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities.
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