Iseyin Killings: Our officers acted in self Defense against mob action

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reacted to the viral claim that some of its officers killed innocent citizens celebrating Eid el Fitr in Iseyin, Oyo state, saying that the action was a response to illegal smuggling activity in the area.

The Spokesman of NCS, Zone A; Theophilus Duniya in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, stated that the mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons, seriously injuring two officers.

In his words: “At about 1500 hours on Thursday, 13th May 2021, some daredevil smugglers mobilized themselves with the help of some thugs, attacked a patrol team serving with Federal Operations Unit Zone A, who were on lawful duty at Iseyin. The officers who were on routine patrol intercepted two Nissan Pathfinder SUV vehicles fully loaded with smuggled foreign parboiled rice at Iseyin. Sequel to the interception, the officers were attacked by a mob who were mobilized by the smugglers.”

“The mob attacked the officers with dangerous weapons which led to the infliction of serious injuries on two officers. In an attempt to abduct one of the officers who was brutally attacked, the assailants had taken the injured officer with his rifle before his team members acted in self-defense, shot at his suspected abductors leading to the death of three of them before he was rescued and taken for immediate medical attention.”

“The officers were able to successfully evacuate the intercepted smuggled rice, while the injured officers are currently receiving treatment. The Acting Controller of the Unit, DC Usman Yahaya, is sad about the avoidable incident and urges community leaders and parents to call their wards and youths to order. While appealing for compliance to extant rules, he assures of the resolve of his men to remain resolute on discharging their duties in the best interest of Nigerians.”