“Customs Probes Fatal Shooting During Badagry Anti-Smuggling Operation” — One Dead, Two Injured As Service Vows Sanctions

The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced an investigation into the death of a resident and the shooting of two others during an anti-smuggling operation in the Oko-Afo area of Badagry, Lagos State.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening near Oko-Afo Bus Stop, beside Oyobo Filling Station, after Customs operatives, accompanied by soldiers, allegedly pursued a commercial bus suspected of conveying three bags of smuggled rice.

Eyewitnesses said gunshots were fired after the driver of the bus allegedly attempted to evade arrest. The operatives were said to have abandoned their patrol vehicle and chased the bus into a nearby street, causing panic as residents, traders and motorists fled for safety.

During the operation, a resident who was reportedly walking out of the street was struck in the chest by a bullet. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from the injury.

An eyewitness alleged that the victim was not promptly attended to by medical personnel before his death, although this claim has not been independently verified.

A second victim, identified as a trader operating a kiosk beside Oyobo Filling Station, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet and sustained a serious injury to his arm. He is receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Badagry.

Another resident was also said to have suffered gunshot injuries, bringing the total number of casualties to three, including the deceased.

A family source said the incident was reported at the Morogbo Police Station. According to the source, the police advised that the deceased’s body should be deposited in a morgue to facilitate investigation, but the family declined and proceeded with an immediate burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Customs Service expressed sadness over the loss of life and assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the shooting would be thoroughly investigated.

In a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the Service extended its condolences to the bereaved family and those affected by the incident.

“The loss of any human life is a profound tragedy, and we share in the grief of the affected family during this immensely difficult time,” the statement said.

Maiwada disclosed that the Service was compiling a comprehensive operational report to establish the precise sequence of events and determine whether the officers involved complied with the approved rules of engagement.

He said the Nigeria Customs Service maintains a zero-tolerance policy against the reckless, unprofessional or unlawful use of firearms.

He added that the Service remained committed to protecting lives while carrying out its statutory responsibilities and assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with transparency, fairness and urgency.

He added that the Service remained committed to protecting lives while carrying out its statutory responsibilities and assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with transparency, fairness and urgency.

Maiwada appealed to residents of Oko-Afo and members of the public to remain calm while the investigation continued.

“Further updates will be made available to the public as soon as full findings are established,” he said.

The allegations concerning the conduct of the operatives and the circumstances in which the shots were fired remain under investigation.