Story by Dili Utomi
The redoubled efforts of the officers and men, Nigeria Customs Service is meeting some level of resistance from from some desperate illegal traders. In about the second time in a week, the Ogun I Area Command of the Service (NCS) has recorded a violent attack on its officers, underscoring rising tensions around intensified anti-smuggling operations in the state.
The latest incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, when a patrol team intercepted a convoy of motorcycles transporting smuggled foreign parboiled rice along a bush path at Alapoti in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Zakari Chado, the officers seized 46 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, which were promptly evacuated in an official patrol vehicle. However, as the team withdrew from the area, they were ambushed by a large group suspected to be smugglers and their accomplices.
The attackers, reportedly armed with dangerous weapons including locally made firearms, stones, bottles and charms, attempted to overpower the officers and recover the seized items. The confrontation, which lasted for about 30 minutes, was eventually repelled by the patrol team.
In the course of the encounter, one of the assailants sustained injuries and later died, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently under investigation.
Some of the seized bags of rice.
The incident came barely a week after a similar attack on Customs officers at the Akokoro area of Iwoye in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, where two officers sustained severe injuries and remain hospitalised.
The Command noted that the renewed wave of attacks is linked to sustained enforcement actions that have resulted in major seizures of contraband, including prohibited goods and other items that pose threats to national security. It added that criminal networks are increasingly resorting to violence to frustrate lawful operations.
Reacting, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack, describing it as a direct challenge to the rule of law and constituted authority. He stressed that the Command would not be deterred by intimidation or violence.
Afeni warned that all those involved in attacks on Customs personnel would be identified and prosecuted, while reassuring law-abiding residents of Ogun State of the Service’s commitment to their safety and strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He reiterated that the Command would continue to intensify anti-smuggling operations in line with its mandate to protect the nation’s economy and secure its borders.
For advertisement and more information, please contact us 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com, diliutomi1@gmail.com. or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili