Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have reacted to the shooting that led to the death of a resident, while leaving two others injured during an anti-smuggling operation in the Oko-Afo area of Badagry, Lagos State.
Reports reveal that the incident occured on Monday evening during a collaborative pursuit of suspected rice smugglers along the by Customs operatives and military personnel, along the Badagry corridor.
According to alleged reports, the operatives fired shots while chasing a commercial bus suspected of transporting smuggled rice.
A stray bullet from the operation reportedly struck a passerby in the chest, killing him, while two other residents sustained gunshot injuries.
The shooting caused panic in the area, with present individuals fleeing the area for safety.
As a reaction, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described the loss of life as tragic and expressed sympathy with the victim’s family.
Maiwada assured that the agency had launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and to determine if involved operatives complied with the operational rules of engagement.
He reiterated the zero-tolerance policy of the agency against the reckless use of firearms, emphasizing that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
The Customs spokesperson also appealed to residents of Oko-Afo and neighbouring communities to remain calm while investigations continue, assuring the public that the outcome of the probe would be made known