The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has confirmed an attack on its personnel at Akokoro, Iwoye, in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun.
Zakaria Chado, the Command’s Spokesperson, confirmed the attack by suspected armed smugglers in a statement on Sunday in Idiroko. Chado said the incident occurred while officers of the command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected of conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.
The spokesman said that two of its personnel were critically injured in the attack that happened on Thursday, at about 4.00 p.m.
According to him, 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 effort to obstruct law enforcement, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points to block access routes, preventing timely reinforcement.
They opened fire on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol vehicle by shooting at 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.
Investigation has commenced to identify, track, and apprehend all those involved in the attack” Chado said