By Seun Ibiyemi
Officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A (FOU A) of the Nigeria Customs Service have foiled a smuggling attempt and repelled an attack by a gang of smugglers in Badagry, Lagos.
This was disclosed by Controller of the unit, Comptroller Kola Oladeji in a statement made available and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the unit, Theophilus Duniya.
Oladeji said a joint patrol team comprising Customs personnel from the unit and soldiers had intercepted a boat carrying smuggled rice and vehicles early on Sunday morning at approximately 0300 hours by the waterside in Badagry.
However, while evacuating the goods, he said the team was attacked by a group of men led by an individual armed with charms and a matchet, injuring a ‘customs officer in the face and a soldier on the leg.
He said the customs personnel defended themselves, injuring the leader of the gang to prevent further harm but he later died on the way to the hospital.
“The personnel acting in self-defense, maimed the leader of the gang to prevent him from inflicting more injuries on the personnel and was evacuated for immediate medical attention.
Unfortunately, he later died en route to the hospital, ” he said.
Comptroller Oladeji, commended the Army and Customs personnel for their bravery and professional conduct in the face of a dangerous attack.
He reiterated the Unit’s commitment to combating smuggling and urged parents and community leaders to discourage their wards from engaging in criminal activities that could put their well-being and other citizens at risk.