The Nigeria Customs Service’s Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A has confirmed the death of Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC I) Mustapha Akiyode, who was killed during an ambush by suspected smugglers in Ogun State. The officer was shot while participating in an anti-smuggling operation along the Ilara–Ijoun axis in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, speaking at his first press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, described the incident as a “painful loss” and a reminder of the risks faced by officers enforcing Nigeria’s borders. “We lost a brave and committed officer in the course of duty. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, and it strengthens our resolve to intensify the fight against smuggling,” he said.
Aliyu used the briefing to unveil a renewed intelligence-driven anti-smuggling strategy, highlighting recent successes. The Unit intercepted 144 smuggling attempts, seizing goods including foreign rice, sugar, used vehicles, vegetable oil, petroleum products, second-hand clothing, hazardous appliances, and a container of aluminium roofing sheets. He also announced the interception of 1,431 kilograms of synthetic cannabis, disrupting local drug supply chains. Eight suspects were arrested, with the Duty Paid Value of all seized items estimated at N3.31 billion.
The Comptroller reaffirmed the Unit’s commitment to enforcing the law professionally and protecting Nigeria’s economy. He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution and proper disposal. Aliyu emphasized that officers’ safety remains a priority while maintaining strict intelligence-led operations across the South-West corridor.
