By Uzor Odigbo
Three operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) attached to Federal Operations Unit in Lagos are undergoing treatment after sustaining gunshot injuries during an early morning attack in Aradagun area of Badagry, Lagos.
The officers who were said to be on routine patrol were reportedly hurt while trying to effect seizures of vehicles laden with frozen poultry products, ostensibly snuggled through the border.
According to Customs Public Relations Officer for the unit, Theophilus Duniya, the incident happened at about 5am on Wednesday during attack by mobs at the Aradagun axis of Badagry- Seme Road when the officers attempted to evacuate the seizures
Duniya said the other officers were able to evacuate the seizures to Federal Operations Unit Zone A Headquarters in Ikeja.
Acting Controller of the unit, Usman Yahaya has assured that his men will continually be unrelenting in the fight against smuggling without fear or favour while urging community leaders and parents to enlighten their wards and youths from criminality and vice like obstructing officers on lawful duty.
Part of the statement reads: “This morning at about 500 hours on Wednesday, 1,7th February, 2021 dare devil smugglers attacked a patrol team of officers of the Federal operations Unit Zone A, who were on lawful duty.
“The officers who were on routine patrol intercepted vehicles fully loaded with smuggled frozen poultry products as well as foreign used vehicles also known as tokunbo along Aradagun end of Badagry- Seme expressway.
“Our officers after interception and attempt to evacuate the smuggled items to the office, were attacked by mobs who were mobilized by the smugglers.
“The mobs attacked our officers with dangerous weapons such as broken bottles, stones, petrol bombs as well and assault rifles.
“As the mob attack ensued, there was a cross exchange of fire; three of our officers sustained various degrees of injuries, perhaps among the mob as well.
“The officers were able to successfully evacuate the intercepted poultry products to the Unit’s Headquarters at Ikeja, while the injured officers are currently receiving treatment.
