A resident was allegedly shot dead and two others injured after operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), accompanied by soldiers, reportedly opened fire while pursuing suspected rice smugglers in the Oko-Afo area of Badagry, Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Monday evening between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. near Oko-Afo Bus Stop beside Oyobo Filling Station, throwing the community into panic as residents and commuters fled for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the Customs operatives were chasing a commercial bus allegedly transporting three bags of smuggled rice when the pursuit turned deadly. Residents alleged that the officers abandoned approved checkpoints and pursued the vehicle into a nearby street after its occupants reportedly attempted to evade arrest.
Witnesses claimed the officers stopped their patrol vehicle and began firing indiscriminately in an attempt to apprehend the suspects. The gunfire allegedly struck innocent bystanders, killing one resident on the spot and leaving two others with gunshot wounds.
The incident sparked outrage among residents, who questioned the use of live ammunition in a densely populated area over an alleged smuggling offence. Many described the operation as reckless and disproportionate, insisting that the loss of innocent lives could have been avoided.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Customs Service said it had commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Service assured the public that anyone found to have acted outside the rules of engagement would face appropriate disciplinary and legal sanctions.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to preserving human life and serving the public with integrity,” the agency said in a statement.
It added that the investigation would be conducted with transparency, fairness and urgency, while appealing to residents of Oko-Afo, Badagry, and the general public to remain calm as the probe continues.
The Service also pledged to provide further updates as soon as the investigation is concluded and reiterated its commitment to preventing a recurrence of such incidents.