At least three persons were reported dead while others sustained various degrees of injuries as officials of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) clashed with suspected smugglers in Iseyin on Thursday.
The Customs Public Relations Officers, FOU Zone A, DSC Theophilus Duniya who confirmed the development in a statement in Lagos on Friday stated that at about 3pm on Thursday, 13th May, 2021, some “dare devil smugglers” mobilized themselves with the help of some “thugs”, attacked a patrol team serving with Federal Operations Unit Zone A, who were on lawful duty at Iseyin.
Duniya disclosed that the officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin.
According to him, “Sequel to the interception, the officers were attacked by a mob who were mobilized by the smugglers. The mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers.
“In an attempt to abduct one of the officers that was brutally attacked; who sustained deep cuts on his head and other parts of his body. The assailants had taken the injured officer with his rifle before his team members whom acted in self defence, shot at his suspected abductors leading to the death of three of them before he was rescued and taken for immediate medical attention.
“The officers were able to successfully evacuate the intercepted smuggled rice, while the injured officers are currently receiving treatment.”
He quoted the Customs Area Controller of the Unit, DC Usman Yahaya as being sad about the avoidable incident and urged community leaders and parents to call their wards and youths to order.
The Unit’s spokesman further quoted that CAC as lamenting the criminality of obstructing and attacking officers on lawful duty, describing it as a venture that yields no good for all including the Service.
“While appealing for compliance to extant rules, he assures of the resolve of his men to remain resolute on discharging their duties in the best interest of Nigerians”, he said.
Photo: One of the injured customs officers during the clash at Iseyin.
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