Suspected smugglers open fireplace on customs patrol group in Ogun state
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Space Command, Idiroko, has confirmed an assault on its personnel on the Akokoro space of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Native Authorities Space of Ogun.
Zakaria Chado, spokesperson of the command, confirmed the incident in an announcement issued on Sunday in Idiroko.
Chado stated the assault occurred on Thursday at about 4:00 pm whereas officers, appearing on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a big consignment of illicit medication and different prohibited gadgets.
He stated that earlier than reinforcement groups might arrive, the suspects mobilised numerous armed hoodlums and launched a coordinated assault on the patrol group.
“In a deliberate effort to impede legislation enforcement, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about 9 strategic factors to dam entry routes, stopping well timed reinforcement,” he stated.
“They opened fireplace on the officers and disabled a Customs patrol automobile by capturing at its tyres, making a risky and harmful operational surroundings,” Chado added.
He stated two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot accidents through the trade.
“Throughout the trade, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot accidents and are at the moment in essential situation, receiving intensive medical care,” he stated.
Chado stated the suspects exploited the barricades to flee with the intercepted truck.
“Exploiting the a number of barricades, the smugglers fled the scene with the intercepted truck,” he stated.
He added that investigations have commenced to establish and apprehend all these concerned within the assault.
Performing Space Controller of the Command, Olukayode Afeni, condemned the assault and described it as barbaric.
Afeni acknowledged that violent resistance wouldn’t deter the service from fulfilling its mandate of combating smuggling and safeguarding nationwide safety.
He known as on conventional rulers and neighborhood leaders inside the command’s space to warning residents towards smuggling and assaults on safety personnel.
Afeni warned that offenders would face the total weight of the legislation.
He assured law-abiding residents of their security and reiterated the NCS’s dedication to frame safety, public well being and enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.