Customs Investigate 2 Officers Over Death of Civilian in Osogbo Anti-smuggling Operations

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command has launched an investigation into a fatal incident that occurred along the Osogbo axis on Saturday, March 15, 2026, following the circulation of a video on social media and a press release by the Osun State Police Command.

In a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Abdulmalik Akintola, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the NCS confirmed the death of one person in connection with the incident and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.

“The Command deeply regrets the loss of life recorded in the incident and extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” the statement read.

According to the Command, its patrol officers were on routine enforcement duty in the Osogbo axis at the time, attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles, commonly known as Tokunbo, in line with the Service’s statutory mandate to suppress smuggling and enforce trade regulations.

Two officers, Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel , have been identified in connection with the operation and are now subject to an audit of their operational mandates. The review will determine whether their actions and tactical approach conformed to the Service’s Rules of Engagement (ROE).

The Command also called for a joint, objective investigation involving the Nigeria Police Force, specifically requesting that forensic variables, including the origin of the discharged ammunition be factored into the inquiry.

Recall that the Osun State Police Command had detained the two customs officers immediately after the shooting.

“While we maintain a strong working relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, we urge for a harmonized and objective investigation that accounts for all forensic variables, including the origin of the discharged ammunition,” the statement said.

The NCS urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions between security agencies or within the community, adding that the outcome of the investigation would determine further action in accordance with Nigerian law.