Customs Officer Loses Life in Ogun Ambush as Smuggled Goods Worth N3.32bn Are Recovered

According to the Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit, Zone “A,” Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mustapha Akiyode was shot dead by alleged smugglers during an ambush in Ogun State.

In the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Akiyode was slain while doing official duties in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area along the Ilara–Ijoun axis, a border area infamous for smuggling activities.

In a statement posted on the Agency’s official X handle on Friday, Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’ Gambo Aliyu called the incident “a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by officers engaged in border enforcement” during his first press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.

The statement partially stated, “The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A,’ has announced with deep regret the loss of an officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC I) Mustapha Akiyode, who was shot in the line of duty by suspected smugglers in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in an ambush along the Ilara–Ijoun axis in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.”

Aliyu claimed that despite the defeat, the command had stepped up operations using a redesigned intelligence-driven anti-smuggling approach that has already achieved significant successes within its sphere of influence.

He claims that the new strategy resulted in the interception of 144 smuggling attempts including a variety of illegal and uncustomized commodities.

He continued by saying that the outcomes demonstrated the command’s renewed determination to destroy smuggling networks that operate along the borders.

21, used cars, 3,362 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 20,700 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 915 bales of used clothing, 581 used refrigerator compressors that were deemed hazardous waste, 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 77 bags of foreign sugar, and a 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminum roofing sheets were among the items that were confiscated.

The cannabis was taken. Photo: NCS The statement went on, “I made a clear commitment that we will confront smuggling syndicates with renewed vigor, professional discipline, and complete respect for the rule of law and human dignity upon assumption of duty a few weeks ago.”

Additionally, he revealed a big success in the fight against drug trafficking: 3,029 packages containing 1,431 kilos of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica were seized by operators. He said that this seizure severely damaged the area’s drug supply networks.

They confiscated the vegetable oil kegs. Photo: NCS Aliyu warned of the wider security ramifications of drug trafficking, claiming that these crimes directly contribute to national instability and violence.

Drug trafficking creates hazards by supplying chemical catalysts like methamphetamine and others that give offenders more confidence, lower morale, and destabilize the country.

“We have a resolute determination, and I urge those who engage in this illicit trade to be patriotic enough to change their ways and embrace legitimate trade, or face the consequences of their actions,” he said.

In relation to the seizures, which had a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦3.32 billion, eight individuals were detained.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency received the seized cannabis in accordance with interagency cooperation so that it may be investigated and prosecuted further. Assuring that the medicines will be disposed of legally, the agency praised Customs for their diligence.

Notwithstanding the dangers its personnel confront while performing their duties, the Customs leadership reaffirmed its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders.