The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a second violent attack on its officers within one week, as suspected smugglers ambushed a patrol team during an anti-smuggling operation in Ogun State.
The latest incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area where Customs officers on routine patrol intercepted a convoy of motorcycles conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice.
This was disclosed in a statement from the Command, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Zakari Chado, on behalf of the Acting Customs Area Controller Ogun I Area Command.
According to the statement, a total of 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice were seized and loaded into an official patrol vehicle as the officers withdrew from the area. However, while exiting the location, the patrol team was suddenly ambushed by a large mob armed with dangerous weapons, including Dane guns, stones, bottles and charms. The attackers, believed to be accomplices of the smugglers, launched a coordinated assault in an attempt to overpower the officers and recover the seized items.
The officers reportedly remained composed and repelled the attack after a fierce confrontation that lasted about 30 minutes. During the clash, one of the assailants sustained fatal injuries and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently undergoing investigation.
The Command linked the renewed violence against its personnel to the intensified anti-smuggling operations across its area of responsibility, noting that recent enforcement efforts have led to significant seizures of arms, ammunition, narcotics and other prohibited items.
It said the attacks reflect the resolve of criminal elements to resist lawful enforcement and undermine national security.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the assault, describing it as barbaric and a direct attack on the rule of law.
He stressed that such resistance would not deter the Service from discharging its statutory responsibilities.
“Those involved in these criminal acts will be identified and brought to justice”, he said, while assuring law-abiding residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety and the enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The development comes barely a week after another violent attack at Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, where suspected smugglers injured two Customs officers, who are still receiving medical treatment.
The Ogun I Command reiterated its determination to sustain pressure on smugglers and criminal networks operating along the border corridors of the state.