The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has condemned what it described as a violent and unprovoked attack on its enforcement officers and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during an anti-piracy operation at Sabo Market, Sagamu, Ogun State.

According to a statement signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike, the incident occurred on Thursday after the enforcement team identified and impounded pirated books from an unmarked shop in the market. The team was reportedly ambushed shortly after the seizure.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to the fight against copyright piracy, stressing that no group can intimidate or deter it from protecting the rights of Nigeria’s creative industry practitioners.

“We will not relent in fulfilling our statutory mandate, particularly at this time when the Federal Government is prioritising the creative and copyright-based industries for employment generation, wealth creation, and national development,” the statement read.

NCC commended its officers and NSCDC personnel for their restraint during the attack and praised their commitment to the ongoing campaign against piracy and the disruption of activities that threaten the creative sector.

It added that efforts were underway, in collaboration with relevant authorities and market executives, to identify and prosecute those behind the attack.

The Commission reminded the public that obstructing or assaulting copyright officers in the lawful performance of their duties is an offence under the Copyright Act.

It urged stakeholders, market executives, community leaders, school proprietors, industry practitioners, and the public to collaborate with the Commission in its fight against piracy.