The Nigeria Customs Service’s Ogun 1 Area Command said on Tuesday that the widely circulated video, which shows its officers firing, was shot on Saturday near the Lafenwa/Enu Gada axis in Abeokuta while the officers were fending off attacks that some smugglers had organized against them.
In a statement provided to journalists, Ogun 1 Area Command Public Relations Officer Hammed Oloyede revealed this while elaborating on the action in the viral video.
Oloyede stated that when the command’s agents were removing contraband from two malfunctioning cars that were being utilized as means of transportation throughout the region, they were ambushed by some thugs who had been enlisted by the contrabandists.
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He clarified that the police had to call for backup due to the severity of the attack, which occurred at around 7:15 am, but they were then able to depart with the seized items and make their way to the command’s warehouse in Abeokuta.
As they evacuated some smuggled goods from two vehicles that were defective, the Nigeria Customs Service operatives from Ogun 1 Area Command came under attack by thugs who were thought to have been incited by the smugglers of the unwholesome goods. This is part of the statement that was partially released.
A call for reinforcement was made due to the seriousness of the attack and the threat to the officers’ lives. Our operatives repelled the attack to protect their own lives during the ensuing melee, leaving the scene with the secured seizure and stopping the attackers until they eventually left the area. “The seizure was successfully conveyed to the government warehouse at Customs House, Abeokuta, without any casualties.”
Oloyede stated that the command respects the lives of its host communities and disapproves of the arbitrary use of guns. Ahmadu Shuaibu, the Ag. Customs Area Controller, is in charge of this command.
However, he stated that the cops might have to use the rules of engagement invoked for self-defense in cases when there is a serious threat to life.
The Command, led by Ag. Customs Area Controller Ahmadu Shuaibu, cherishes the lives of its host communities and disapproves of the arbitrary use of guns, he continued. Nonetheless, in order to protect oneself, the rules of engagement must be invoked in cases where there is a serious threat to life.
The Command, led by Ag. Customs Area Controller Ahmadu Shuaibu, cherishes the lives of its host communities and disapproves of the arbitrary use of guns, he continued. Nonetheless, in order to protect oneself, the rules of engagement must be invoked in cases where there is a serious threat to life.
“The Command expresses regret for the unfortunate and compelling situation that may have caused fear in the residents of the aforementioned axis as well as the general public.” We will not give up on ensuring the safety of the wonderful people of Ogun State while performing our legal obligations. Our operators will keep up their operations within the bounds of the law and in accordance with the engagement guidelines.
It is important to let you know that the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023 forbids any sort of harassment, assault, or obstruction of officials while they are performing their official duties. Offenders risk punishments like a five million Naira fine, five years in prison, or both.
Additionally, Customs officers are given the freedom to patrol freely under Section 226 of the NCSA, which is applicable to our anti-smuggling efforts in Ogun State.