A resident was reportedly killed while two others sustained gunshot injuries following an alleged shooting involving operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and soldiers during a pursuit of suspected rice smugglers in the Oko-Afo area of Badagry, Lagos State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., around Oko-Afo Bus Stop, near Oyobo Filling Station.
According to eyewitness accounts cited in reports, the security operatives were pursuing a commercial bus allegedly conveying three bags of smuggled rice when the situation escalated.
The Customs officers and soldiers were said to have followed the vehicle into a nearby street after the occupants allegedly attempted to evade arrest. Eyewitnesses further alleged that shots were fired during the pursuit, causing residents and commuters to flee the area in panic.
A resident reportedly sustained a gunshot injury to the chest and later died. Two other people, including a trader who was allegedly hit by a stray bullet, were also reportedly injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
The incident reportedly caused confusion in the community, with traders, residents and motorists said to have scampered for safety following the gunfire.
The family of the deceased reportedly confirmed that the matter had been reported at the Morogbo Police Station. The family was said to have declined an alleged police request to deposit the deceased’s remains at a morgue, insisting that the body be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Customs Service said it was saddened by reports of the death and confirmed that it was compiling a full operational report to establish what transpired.
The NCS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, reportedly said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and assess whether operational rules of engagement were followed.
He reportedly stressed that the Customs Service has a zero-tolerance policy for the unprofessional or reckless use of firearms, adding that any officer found to have acted outside the law or established operational procedures would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
The agency appealed to residents of Oko-Afo, Badagry, and the general public to remain calm while investigations continue.
The identities of the deceased and injured victims had not been officially released at the time of reporting.