One killed as customs, smugglers clash in Ogun

A suspected smuggler identified as Ofe was killed in a clash between operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service and some smugglers in the Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State on Sunday.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Monday from an eyewitness who did not want to be named in print that the smugglers and customs operatives clashed when the latter tried to seize some items suspected to be foreign rice.

The face-off was said to have degenerated into a heated argument leading to sporadic gunshots.

Ofe was said to have been hit by a bullet fired by one of the customs officers, leading to his death on the spot.

The source said, “Customs officers and smugglers clashed in Oja Odan yesterday (Sunday) and they killed one smuggler popularly called Ofe. The clash started when the officers wanted to seize some bags of foreign rice from the smugglers.

“They killed Ofe and went away with his body.”

Following the incident, some irate youths who went on a rampage reportedly set some customs bases in the area on fire.

“Youths in the area set the customs bases in the area on fire,” the source said.

When contacted on Monday for a reaction, the Customs Public Relations Officer, Ogun Area 1, Chado Zakari, confirmed the incident, stressing that one of the smugglers was killed.

He disclosed that 47 bags of foreign rice were seized from the smugglers who launched an attack on Customs operatives during the operation.

Zakari said, “On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at approximately 0821 hours, officers of the Nigeria Customs Service Ogun 1 Command embarked on a routine anti-smuggling patrol along the Igbeme bush path in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. During the patrol, they intercepted a convoy of motorcycles ferrying smuggled foreign rice.

“The smugglers, caught red-handed, launched a vicious attack on the officers using dangerous weapons and charms. The officers successfully repelled the attack, unfortunately, one of the smugglers lost his life.

“Reinforcement teams arrived at the scene, enabling the evacuation of 47 bags of foreign rice (50kg each), four motorcycles, and two Den guns used in the attack. These items were abandoned by the smugglers and taken to the government warehouse in Idiroko for further investigation and safekeeping.”

While condemning the attack on its personnel, the spokesperson noted that the agency would not be deterred by the hostilities of smugglers in carrying out its lawful duties.

He urged the public to go about their lawful activities without fear.

“Regrettably, the skirmishes destroyed several checkpoints and patrol bases, including the Hanga checkpoint, Binatus patrol base, Amiju patrol base, and Igbeme patrol base.

“The NCS Ogun 1 Command wishes to reiterate its warning to the public against attacking officers performing their lawful duties. The Customs Area Controller, Compt. Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu, assures the public that the command will not be deterred by these hostilities and will continue to discharge its lawful responsibilities.

“The command encourages law-abiding members of the public to go about their legitimate activities without fear.”

PUNCH Metro reported in November 2024 that a bystander lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet when some Customs officers clashed with smugglers in the Obada Idi-Emi area of Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Our correspondent reported that residents were thrown into panic following repeated gunshots that accompanied the scuffle.