Ogun Attack Claims Customs Officer,N3.32bn Worth of Smuggled Items Seized

During an ambush in Ogun State, suspected smugglers shot and killed Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mustapha Akiyode, a member of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit, Zone “A.”

While on official duty at the Ilara–Ijoun axis in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, a border region infamous for smuggling activities, Akiyode was killed early on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

According to a statement posted on the Agency’s official X handle on Friday, Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, during his first press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, called the incident “a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by officers engaged in border enforcement.”

The statement partially stated, “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A,’ has announced with deep regret the loss of an officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC I) Mustapha Akiyode, who was shot in the line of duty by suspected smugglers in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in an ambush along the Ilara–Ijoun axis in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.”

Despite the defeat, Aliyu said that the command had stepped up operations using a redesigned intelligence-driven anti-smuggling approach, which has already seen significant achievements throughout its sphere of influence.

He claims that 144 smuggling efforts involving a variety of illegal and uncustomized commodities were stopped as a result of the new strategy.

The outcomes, he continued, demonstrated the command’s increased determination to eradicate smuggling networks that operate along the borders.

6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 77 bags of foreign sugar, 21 used cars, 3,362 vegetable oil jerrycans, 20,700 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 915 bales of used clothing, 581 used refrigerator compressors that were deemed hazardous waste, and a 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminum roofing sheets were among the items that were confiscated.

Cannabis was seized. Photo: NCS “I made a clear commitment that we will confront smuggling syndicates with renewed vigor, professional discipline, and complete respect for the rule of law and human dignity when I assumed duty a few weeks ago,” the statement went on.

Additionally, he revealed a big achievement in the fight against drug trafficking: 3,029 packages containing 1,431 kilos of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica were seized by agents. He said that this seizure severely damaged the zone’s drug supply routes.

The seized vegetable oil kegs. Photo: NCS Aliyu warned of the wider security ramifications of drug trafficking, claiming that these crimes directly contribute to nationwide instability and violence.

By supplying chemical catalysts like methamphetamine and others that empower offenders, lower morale, and destabilize the country, drug trafficking exacerbates risks.

“I implore those who engage in this illegal trade to be patriotic enough to adopt lawful trade or face the consequences of their actions, as our determination is resolute,” he said.

The seizures, which have a total Duty Paid Value of ₦3.32 billion, resulted in the arrest of eight individuals.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency received the seized cannabis for additional investigation and prosecution in accordance with interagency cooperation. The organization praised Customs for being vigilant and promised that the drugs will be disposed of legally.

The Customs leadership reiterated its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders in spite of the dangers its officers encounter while performing their duties.