The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding a tragic incident in Osogbo, where two individuals reportedly lost their lives during an anti-smuggling patrol.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdulmalik Akintola, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I.
Akintola expressed the Command’s concern over the incident, which has gained widespread attention following a viral video on social media and a related statement by the Osun State Police Command. The incident is reported to have occurred on March 15 along the Osogbo axis.
According to him, the Command acknowledges the public concern generated by the reports and emphasised the need to present a professional and factual account while investigations are ongoing.
Preliminary findings indicate that officers attached to the Command’s patrol team were on routine enforcement duty at the time of the incident. The officers were reportedly attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles, commonly known as “Tokunbo,” in line with the Service’s mandate to curb smuggling and enforce trade regulations.
Akintola noted that the Command deeply regrets the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of human life and ensuring that all operations are conducted responsibly and professionally.
He further revealed that the investigation would include a review of the operational conduct of the officers involved, identified as Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel. The review aims to determine whether their actions and tactical decisions complied with the Service’s established rules of engagement.
The Customs Service also called for a coordinated and objective investigation involving relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force. Akintola stressed the importance of examining all forensic evidence, particularly the source of the discharged ammunition.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to discipline and the rule of law, the Command urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could heighten tensions within the community or between security agencies.
He assured that the outcome of the investigation would guide appropriate actions in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
