Suspected smugglers fatally shot Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mustapha Akiyode in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The Nigeria Customs officer killed was on duty along the Ilara–Ijoun axis in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area, Ogun State—a known hotspot for smuggling. This tragic incident has drawn national attention to the dangers of border enforcement.
Subsequently, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, confirmed his death in a statement released Friday. During his first press briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu described the attack as “a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by officers engaged in border enforcement.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss but emphasized that operations would not stop.
In fact, despite this tragedy, Aliyu announced that his command has intensified efforts using a new intelligence-driven anti-smuggling strategy. As a result, this approach has already produced significant results across the zone. Specifically, operatives have intercepted 144 smuggling attempts involving prohibited and uncustomed goods.
For example, they seized 6,954 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 77 bags of foreign sugar, and 21 used vehicles. Additionally, they recovered 3,362 jerrycans of vegetable oil, 20,700 litres of premium motor spirit, and 915 bales of used clothing. Moreover, they confiscated 581 hazardous used refrigerator compressors and a 20-foot container of stone-coated aluminium roofing sheets. These actions reflect a broader crackdown on illicit trade.
Furthermore, the unit achieved a major breakthrough in drug interdiction. Officers intercepted 3,029 parcels of synthetic cannabis indica, weighing 1,431 kilograms. According to Aliyu, this seizure significantly disrupted narcotics supply routes in the region. Consequently, it dealt a serious blow to organized trafficking networks.
He also issued a strong warning about the wider security implications. “Drug trafficking fuels threats by providing chemical catalysts like methamphetamine,” he explained. “These substances embolden criminals, erode public morale, and destabilize the nation.” Therefore, he urged traffickers to abandon illegal activities and embrace legitimate trade—or face severe consequences.
To date, authorities have arrested eight suspects linked to these seizures. Altogether, the confiscated goods carry a Duty Paid Value of ₦3.32 billion. In line with inter-agency cooperation, the NCS promptly handed over the seized cannabis to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The NDLEA commended Customs for its vigilance and assured the public that officials would destroy the drugs in accordance with the law.
Importantly, Aliyu reaffirmed his command’s unwavering commitment. “Upon assumption of duty, I pledged to confront smuggling syndicates with renewed vigour, professional discipline, and full respect for the rule of law,” he stated. He stressed that enforcement must remain firm yet lawful.
Ultimately, the killing of Mustapha Akiyode underscores the extreme risks frontline officers face daily. Nevertheless, the NCS continues its mission without retreat. Even as it mourns one of its own, the service remains determined to secure Nigeria’s borders—balancing aggressive action with legal integrity and public safety.
