The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has explained what led to sporadic shooting on Saturday, 16th of December, 2023, along the Lanfewa/Enu gada axis of Ogun State.
In a press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SC Hammed Oloyede, on behalf of the Acting Area Controller of the command, Ahmadu Shuaibu, the command stated that its operatives came under attack while evacuating some smuggled goods from two faulty vehicles used as means of conveyance by hoodlums who were suspected to have been mobilized by the smugglers of the unwholesome goods.
The statement noted that the seriousness of the attack and the threat to officers’ lives led to a call for reinforcement.
“During the melee that ensued at about 0715 hours of that day, our operatives repelled the attack to safeguard their lives. They left the scene with the secured seizure and prevented the hoodlums from further attack till they finally exited the area. The seizure was successfully conveyed to the Government Warehouse at Customs House, Abeokuta, without any casualty.
“I would like to state emphatically that the Command under the leadership of the Ag. Customs Area Controller Ahmadu Shuaibu values the lives of its host communities and frowns at the arbitrary use of firearms. However, in situations with a severe threat to life, the rules of engagement must be evoked for self-protection,” command’s spokesman narrated in the release.
He said that the command regretted the compelling and unfortunate situation that might have put the residents of the said axis and the general public in fear.
He warned that while carrying out its lawful duty, the command shall not renege in its effort to ensure the safety of the good people of Ogun State.
“Our operatives shall continue to operate within the ambit of the law and in conformity with the rules of engagement,” the statement assured.
It further warned that the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 frowns at obstruction, molestation, or assaults of officers on lawful duty, with the infliction of punishment on offenders such as conviction to a fine of five million Naira, and imprisonment for 5 years or both, adding that Section 226 of the NCSA empowers Customs operatives to carry out patrols freely, which applies to its anti-smuggling operations in Ogun State.