Two dead as suspected smugglers attack Customs officers in Ogun

Two persons were confirmed dead on Saturday as hoodlums suspected to be smugglers allegedly attacked operatives of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A, during an operation in Ogun State.

A statement by the unit’s spokesman, Theophilus Duniya said the patrol team had intercepted 12 vehicles of different kinds, laden with bags of foreign parboiled rice and were on their way to the government warehouse when smugglers mobilized themselves with the support of their sympathizers and attacked the team with dangerous weapons.

He said two officers were injured during the attack while one of the suspects has been arrested.

The statement reads, “Customs patrol team from Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos was attacked without provocation on Saturday afternoon during an operation along Shagamu Inter-change in Ogun State

“During the exchange of gun fire, two of the attackers lost their lives and one suspect was arrested. Out of 12 vehicles in the convoy of the smugglers, our operatives were able to leave with four of them laden with smuggled foreign parboiled rice

“The arrested suspect and the seizure have been brought to the Unit Headquarters, Ikeja.

“The Ag. Controller of the Unit, Hussein K Ejibunu frowned at the avoidable loss of lives due to the unprovoked attack. He has ordered full scale investigations into the matter to apprehend other fleeing suspects with their smuggled wares.”

The Customs boss cautioned the youths to eschew violent confrontations with government operatives and be law abiding at all times adding that such violent attacks will never deter or threaten customs operatives from carrying out their legitimate duties.

He said two of the wounded operatives from the attack are presently receiving treatment in a medical facility.