The Nigeria Customs Service has confirmed the tragic death of one of its officers in Ogun State, following an ambush by suspected smugglers. The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 3, along the Ilara–Ijoun axis within the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, a region notorious for illicit cross-border activities.
Officer Fatally Shot in Border Ambush
Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC I) Mustapha Akiyode was fatally shot during the attack. In a statement released on Friday, February 6, the Service's Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A' announced the officer's passing with deep regret. Comptroller Gambo Aliyu of the Unit described the event as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by officers engaged in border enforcement.
Significant Anti-Smuggling Successes Despite Attack
Despite this loss, Comptroller Aliyu detailed substantial operational achievements resulting from a renewed, intelligence-driven strategy against smuggling. He reported the interception of 144 smuggling attempts involving various contraband items. The seized goods include:
- 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice
- 77 bags of foreign sugar
- 21 used vehicles
- 3,362 jerrycans of vegetable oil
- 20,700 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS)
Major Drug Bust and Broader Criminal Links
In a significant drug interception, officers seized 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica, weighing 1,431 kilograms. Aliyu emphasized that drug trafficking fuels wider criminality, stating it fuels threats by providing chemical catalysts such as methamphetamine and others that embolden perpetrators, erode morale, and destabilise the nation.
Total Seizure Value and Suspect Arrests
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all confiscated items was estimated at ₦3,319,893,255.00. Eight suspects were arrested in connection with these interceptions. The seized cannabis has been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution and lawful disposal.
This incident underscores the persistent risks in border security operations while highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and related crimes in Nigeria.
