The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, on Monday, lamented attacks on its operatives by smugglers, which have claimed many lives and left some with disability.
The Area Controller, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, expressed the concern in Idiroko during the fifth annual independence symposium organised by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF), in conjunction with the command.
The symposium was themed: “Smuggling and hoarding of petroleum products: Effects on border communities and national security”.
Shuaibu lamented that the command had recorded attacks, ranging from blocking of roads, mob actions to altercations with smugglers and their sympathisers, often resulting in injuries and loss of lives.
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Represented by the Deputy Controller, Charles Ogunesan, Shuaibu said, “Over the years, the command has recorded a series of horrible and unwanted experiences in our line of lawful duty.
“We have lost scores of officers to death and permanent disability, while our dear communities have also lost many of their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling.”