By Ezurike Ugochukwu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a second violent attack on its officers within one week, following an ambush by suspected smugglers during an anti-smuggling operation in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, when officers on routine patrol along a bush path at Alapoti intercepted motorcycles conveying smuggled foreign parboiled rice, leading to the seizure of 46 bags of 50kg rice before the patrol team was violently confronted while withdrawing from the area.
In a release by Deputy Superintendent of Customs Zakari Chado, Public Relations Officer(PRO) byOgun I Area Command Customs the officers were suddenly ambushed by a large mob armed with dangerous weapons, including Dane guns, stones, bottles, and charms, in a coordinated attempt to overwhelm the patrol team and recover the seized items.
The release stated that the officers remained calm and professional, successfully repelling the attack after an intense confrontation that lasted about thirty minutes.

In the course of the encounter, one of the assailants sustained fatal injuries, while a suspect who claimed ownership of the seized rice was arrested and is currently undergoing investigation.
The Command notes that the recent spate of attacks on its personnel is directly linked to the renewed and intensified anti-smuggling operations, which have resulted in significant seizures of arms, ammunition, narcotics, and other prohibited items within its area of responsibility.
These violent responses reflect the desperation of criminal elements seeking to obstruct lawful enforcement and undermine national security.
Reacting to the incident, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni, condemned the attack as barbaric and a direct assault on the rule of law.
Afeni reaffirmed that such acts will not deter the Command or the Service from discharging its statutory responsibilities, warning that all those involved will be identified and brought to justice, while assuring law-abiding members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to their safety and the strict enforcement of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.