Customs Bemoan Attacks On Officers In Ogun

ABEOKUTA - The Ogun State command of Nigeria Customs Service has declared that, the unwarranted attacks on its officers will not deter her from prosecuting the anti-smuggling crusade. 

Customs gave the assurance on Friday in the wake of attacks on officers of the command by unknown hoodlums along Ilaro /Papalanto area of Ogun State. 

The command's Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Abdullahi Maiwada in a press release made available to journalists in Abeokuta stated that, some unidentified people obstructed the patrol vehicles of the command escorting seized smuggled rice from Ilaro to Abeokuta. 

Maiwada added that, the hoodlums pelted the command's personnel with stones, bottles, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, but commended the officers for controling the situation without use of force. 

One of the attacked customs officers

According to him, two of the command's personnel sustained injuries in the attack while three suspects were arrested and currently undergoing interrogation at the command's headquarters. 

He therefore commended intervention of the reinforcement teams from Nigeria Police and military for their quick response.

"Officers of Nigeria Customs Service Ogun Command escorting seized smuggled rice from Ilaro navigating to Abeokuta Government Warehouse for safe keeping on Friday at about 0800hours were obstructed by a group of hoodlums (pelted our personnel with stones, bottles, cutlasses, sticks and other dangerous items). 

"Our Officers restrained themselves by controlling the situation short of using force. On the arrival of reinforcement teams from Army, Police, Federal Operations Unit and Command teams, the hoodlums were overpowered but not before serious injuries were inflicted on two Customs Personnel who are currently responding to treatment in the hospital (pictures attached). 

"In the face of the provocative hostility, Officers tactically succeeded in securing the seizures out of the scene in a professional manner thereby avoiding any loss of life."

Maiwada also recalled that, an Officer attached to the Command, Inspector of Custom Abdullahi Kuso was almost lynched at the same location (Papalanto) on 7th July, 2018 by a group of criminals who perceive smuggling as legitimate way of livelihood.

He therefore advised parents/guardians to warn their wards to desist from obstructing Customs Officers performing their legitimate duties as the Service will not hesitate to use appropriate force in the interest of the nation.