Students from Ogun State Decry Attacks on Customs Officers by Smugglers

Students in Ogun State, organized under the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), have voiced their condemnation regarding the recent fatal assault on officers from the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by armed smugglers in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The students stated that the rising occurrences of attacks on customs personnel while they perform their constitutionally mandated duties are “increasingly worrisome and unacceptable.”

Reports indicate that the customs officials were ambushed by suspected smugglers at Alapoti Villa.

The operatives were conducting a routine anti-smuggling patrol along a bush path in the area when they faced a violent assault orchestrated by the smuggling syndicate.

In a prior operation, the customs personnel had intercepted a motorcycle convoy carrying at least 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice illegally brought into the country via the bush under the cover of night.

As the officials attempted to withdraw from the site of the confiscation, the smuggling cartel, armed with dangerous weapons such as dane guns, stones, bottles, and charms, launched a surprise attack aimed at overpowering the customs officers and reclaiming the seized items.

During the encounter, one of the attackers suffered severe injuries and succumbed, while another individual was apprehended.

In response to the incident, NAOSS released a statement on Wednesday, signed by its National President Olubodun Olalekan and General Secretary Adesanya Peter. The student union described the organized attacks on customs operatives as a deviation from acceptable behavior that should neither be tolerated nor supported.

The association expressed grave concern regarding this incident, noting that it marked the second attack in less than a month, demonstrating the smugglers' determination to disrupt the efforts of law enforcement.

“We applaud the bravery exhibited by the customs officers in repelling the attackers, recovering over 48 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and detaining a suspect. Their courage and commitment to their responsibilities merit our highest respect.

“NAOSS also commends the Customs Area Controller for Ogun 1 Area Command, Oladapo Afeni, for his outstanding leadership in the ongoing fight against the smuggling of banned items. His dedication to border security and national protection is indeed commendable.

“NAOSS reiterates its unwavering support for the customs command as it combats economic sabotage and intensifies efforts to tackle narcotics smuggling in Ogun State and across Nigeria. We recognize the vital role that the customs service plays in safeguarding the country’s security and welfare.

Finally, we call upon the authorities to ensure that those responsible for these heinous attacks are brought to justice and that customs officers receive the necessary support and protection to perform their duties without fear or harassment,” the statement concluded.