IDIROKO — A routine interception turned into a bloody confrontation in Ogun State on Thursday, leaving two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) fighting for their lives and a seized truck loaded with suspected illicit drugs back in the hands of smugglers.

The violent ambush, which occurred in the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, saw armed hoodlums overwhelm a Customs patrol team, setting up blockade points to prevent reinforcement.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Zakaria Chado, the incident began around 4:00 PM when operatives, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a 12-tyre truck suspected to be transporting a massive consignment of illicit drugs and prohibited items.

Before the team could secure the vehicle, the suspects reportedly mobilized a large group of armed men to launch a counter-attack.

“In a deliberate effort to obstruct law enforcement, the attackers mounted heavy barricades at about nine strategic points to block access routes, preventing timely reinforcement,” Chado disclosed in a statement on Sunday.

The situation quickly escalated into a firefight. The gunmen opened fire on the patrol team, disabling their vehicle by shooting out the tyres before targeting the personnel.

“During the exchange, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service sustained gunshot injuries and are currently in critical condition, receiving intensive medical care,” Chado confirmed.

Amid the chaos and the “volatile operational environment,” the smugglers utilized the nine barricades to delay the Customs team, successfully reclaiming the intercepted truck and fleeing the scene.

Reacting to the assault, the Acting Area Controller of the Ogun I Command, Olukayode Afeni, described the attack as “barbaric” and a direct affront to national security.

Afeni warned that the Service would not be intimidated by violent resistance and that a manhunt is already underway to apprehend those responsible.

“We are conducting investigations to identify and arrest all individuals involved. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Afeni stated.

He further appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders in the border axis to caution their youths against shielding smugglers, reiterating the Command’s commitment to curbing the influx of harmful substances into the country.