The Nigeria Customs Service has expressed regret over the recent incident involving sporadic shooting between its operatives from the Ogun 1 Area Command and suspected smugglers in Lafenwa last Saturday.
 A video capturing the shooting during the evacuation of smuggled goods along the Lanfewa/Enu Gada axis of Ogun State went viral, causing fear and apprehension in the area.
In the video, one officer was heard saying in pidgin, “If them born una papa well, make una show; if them born you well, make una come closer. You go die today.”
The video also revealed some officers wearing masks, while others lacked proper gear but were fully armed with guns.
Acting Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun Area 1 Command, Ahmadu Shuaibu, addressed the situation through a statement released by the command spokesman, Hammed Oloyede.
Shuaibu explained that the Customs operatives were lawfully executing their duties when they were attacked by a group of hoodlums, believed to have been mobilized by those involved in illicit trade.
The intensity of the assault and the imminent threat to the lives of the officers prompted a call for reinforcements.
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In defending themselves against the assailants, the Customs team ensured the safety of their lives and successfully secured the seized items, preventing further attacks before leaving the scene.
The confiscated goods were later transported to the Government Warehouse at Customs House, Abeokuta, without any reported casualties.
Emphasizing the commitment to preserving the lives of residents within its jurisdiction, the Acting Customs Area Controller highlighted that in situations with a severe threat to life, the rules of engagement necessitate the use of force for self-protection.
He assured the public that Customs operatives would operate within the confines of the law and adhere to established rules of engagement during anti-smuggling operations.
Shuaibu concluded by acknowledging the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in carrying out their duties and underscored the need for public understanding and cooperation in maintaining law and order.
Meanwhile, residents of Lafenwa community in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State have expressed their dismay on the Nigeria Customs Service sporadic shootings.
The incident has reportedly left members of the community in a state of panic.
According to accounts from some residents who spoke with SavingPointMedia on Monday, there are concerns that such clashes may disrupt public peace and potentially result in unnecessary fatalities.
One of the residents condemned the shooting, expressing concern that such incidents could result in loss of life.
He urged the government to intervene and address the alleged excessive behavior of Customs officers, especially in their operations in Ogun State.
Another resident, speaking anonymously, shared the experience of residents scrambling for safety during the clash.
The resident emphasized that the Customs’ actions could potentially breach public peace and called on the government to rein in the excesses of the Customs officers.
The resident also suggested that Customs focus on border operations rather than disturbing public peace to seize goods.
The incident has sparked calls for urgent scrutiny of the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service in Ogun State to prevent further loss of lives and maintain public order.
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