Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mustapha Akiyode, one of the Nigeria Customs Service’s personnel, was shot dead by suspected smugglers during an ambush in Ogun State, according to confirmation from the Federal Operations Unit, Zone “A.”
While on official duty in the Ilara–Ijoun axis in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, a border region infamous for smuggling activities, Akiyode was killed early on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Speaking at his first press briefing at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, called the incident “a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by officers engaged in border enforcement,” according to a statement posted on the Agency’s official X handle on Friday.
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, February 3, 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 policy that has already seen significant results throughout its sphere of influence.
He claims that 144 smuggling efforts involving a variety of illegal and uncustomized commodities were intercepted as a result of the new strategy.
The outcomes, he continued, demonstrated the command’s increased determination to destroy smuggling networks that operate along the borders.
A 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminum roofing sheets, 21, 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 21 used cars were among the items confiscated.
the cannabis that was seized. Photo: NCS The statement went on, “I made a clear commitment upon assumption of duty a few weeks ago that we will confront smuggling syndicates with renewed vigor, professional discipline, and complete respect for the rule of law and human dignity.”
Additionally, he revealed a big achievement in the fight against drug trafficking: 3,029 packages containing 1,431 kilograms of a synthetic strain of cannabis indica were seized by operators. He said that this seizure severely affected the zone’s drug supply routes.
The vegetable oil kegs that were confiscated. Photo: NCS Aliyu warned of the wider security ramifications of drug trafficking, claiming that these crimes directly contribute to instability and bloodshed throughout the nation.
By supplying chemical catalysts like methamphetamine and others that empower offenders, lower morale, and destabilize the country, drug trafficking feeds threats.
As our resolve is unwavering, he said, “I implore those who engage in this illegal trade to be patriotic enough to change their ways and embrace legitimate trade, or face the consequences of their actions.”
The seizures, which have a total Duty Paid Value of ₦3.32 billion, led to the arrest of eight individuals.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency received the confiscated cannabis for additional investigation and prosecution in accordance with interagency cooperation. The organization promised that the narcotics would be disposed of legally and praised Customs for their diligence.
Despite the dangers its personnel confront while performing their duties, the Customs leadership reaffirmed its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s borders.
