Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has confirmed the accidental killing of a smuggler in the Badagry area of Lagos State.

On Tuesday in Badagry, Mr. Theophilus Duniya, the Public Relations Officer for FOU Zone A, confirmed the incident.

Duniya claimed that when the crew was removing rice that had been smuggled, a gang of guys with machetes and charms assaulted them.

“They injured a customs officer in the face and a soldier on the leg.

“Our personnel, acting in self-defence, neutralised the leader of the gang to prevent him from inflicting more injuries on them.

“The gang leader was evacuated for immediate medical attention but unfortunately, died on the way to the hospital,” he said.

Daniya urged parents and community leaders to discourage their children from engaging in criminal activities that could put their well-being and other citizens at risk.

According to reports,  the incident occurred on Sunday when the middle-aged smuggler and his gang allegedly attacked the customs officers.

It was learnt that the incident took place in Erekiti, a border town  in  the Badagry area, around 4 a.m as the late smuggler, named Saka Wakilu, was the leader of the gang.