Ogun students condemn smugglers’ attacks on customs officers

Students in Ogun State under auspices of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) have condemned the recent deadly attack on the operatives of the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service by armed smugglers in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The students declared that the spate of attacks on customs officers carrying out their constitutionally empowered duties by smugglers, are “becoming increasingly worrisome and unacceptable.”

Hoodlums suspected to be smugglers had ambushed the NCS personnel at Alapoti Villa.

They were on a routine anti-smuggling patrol along a bush path in the area when they came under a violent attack launched by the smuggling cartel.

It was reported that the customs operatives had earlier intercepted a motorcycle smuggling convoy carrying not less than 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice, smuggled into the country through the bush path under cover of night.

But while withdrawing from the scene of the seizure, the smuggling syndicate, armed with a series of dangerous weapons, including dane guns, stones, bottles, and charms, ambushed the operatives and launched a surprise coordinated attack on the customs in an attempt to overwhelm the patrol team and recover the seized items.

In the melee that followed, one of the assailants sustained fatal injuries and later died, while one person was apprended.

Reacting to the incident, NAOSS, on Wednesday, in a statement signed by its National President and General Secretary, Olubodun Olalekan and Adesanya Peter, respectively, the union said organized ambushes and attacks on customs operatives are an aberration that should not be tolerated or encouraged.

The student body noted with concern that the weekend attack was the second one in less than a month, highlighting the determination of these smugglers to undermine the efforts of law enforcement agencies.

“We commend the gallantry displayed by the customs operatives in repelling the attackers, recovering over 48 bags of foreign parboiled rice, and arresting a suspect. Their bravery and dedication to duty are exemplary and deserve our utmost respect.

“NAOSS also hails the Customs Area Controller in charge of Ogun 1 Area Command, Oladapo Afeni, for providing exemplary leadership in the fight against smuggling of prohibited items into the country. His commitment to securing our borders and protecting our nation is truly commendable.

“NAOSS reaffirms its unwavering support for the customs command in its campaigns against economic saboteurs and intense efforts in tackling smuggling of narcotics into Ogun State and Nigeria at large. We recognize the critical role the customs service plays in safeguarding our nation’s security and well-being.

“We urge the authorities to bring the perpetrators of these heinous attacks to justice and ensure that our customs officers are provided with the necessary support and protection to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation,” the statement concluded.

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