The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, has confirmed the death of one of its officers, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mustapha Akiyode, who was fatally shot by suspected smugglers during an ambush in Ogun State.
Akiyode was killed in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, while on official duty along the Ilara–Ijoun axis in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, a border corridor notorious for smuggling activities.
A statement issued on the Agency’s official X handle on Friday stated that while speaking during his maiden press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, described the incident as “a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by officers engaged in border enforcement.”
“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”, the statement partly read.
Despite the loss, Aliyu said the command had intensified its operations through a revamped intelligence-driven anti-smuggling strategy, which has already recorded major successes across its area of responsibility.
According to him, the new approach led to the interception of 144 smuggling attempts, involving a wide range of prohibited and uncustomed goods.
He added that the results reflected the command’s renewed resolve to dismantle smuggling networks operating along the borders.
“Items seized included 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 77 bags of foreign sugar, 21 used vehicles, 3,362 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 20,700 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS), 915 bales of used clothing, 581 used refrigerator compressors classified as hazardous waste, and a 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets.
“Upon assumption of duty a few weeks ago, I made a clear commitment that we will confront smuggling syndicates with renewed vigour, professional discipline, and complete respect for the rule of law and human dignity”, the statement continued.
He also disclosed a major breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking, revealing that operatives intercepted 3,029 parcels of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica, weighing 1,431 kilograms, a seizure he said significantly disrupted narcotics supply routes within the zone.
Warning of the broader security implications of drug trafficking, Aliyu said such crimes directly fuel violence and instability across the country.
“Drug trafficking fuels threats by providing chemical catalysts such as methamphetamine and others that embolden perpetrators, erode morale and destabilise the nation.
“I urge perpetrators of this illicit trade to be patriotic enough to change their ways and embrace legitimate trade or face the consequences of their actions, as our determination is resolute”, he warned.
Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, which have a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦3.32bn.
In line with inter-agency cooperation, the seized cannabis was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution. The agency commended Customs for its vigilance and assured that the drugs would be disposed of in accordance with the law.
The Customs command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, despite the risks faced by its officers in the line of duty.
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