The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) yesterday condemned the attack on officers of the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by suspected armed drug smugglers, describing it as a reprehensible act of violence against personnel carrying out legitimate duties.

The students’ body said such a nefarious act was unacceptable and should attract serious consequences. Suspected armed drug traffickers had attacked and injured officers of the command during an anti-smuggling operation at the Akokoro area of Iwoye, Imeko-Afon Local Council of Ogun State.

In a statement signed by the command’s public relations officer, Zakari Chado, Customs explained that officers acted on credible intelligence to intercept a 12-tyre truck suspected to be conveying a large consignment of illicit drugs and other prohibited items.

Chado said the attackers, in an attempt to frustrate law enforcement efforts, mounted barricades at about nine strategic locations, blocked access routes and opened fire on the officers, while a Customs patrol vehicle was disabled.

He disclosed that two officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving intensive medical attention, adding that the smugglers reportedly escaped with the seized truck amid the chaos.

NAOSS, however, in a statement on Monday jointly signed by its national president and general secretary, Olubodun Olalekan and Adesanya Peter, condemned what it described as “brutal attacks” on the Customs officers by the drug smugglers.

While commending the bravery and dedication of the NCS in combating drug smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national security, the association empathised with the injured officers and wished them a speedy recovery.

“We empathise with the injured officers and wish them a speedy recovery. We also commend the bravery and dedication of the NCS in combating drug smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national security. NAOSS calls for increased synergy between sister agencies, paramount rulers and stakeholders to tackle the menace of drug smuggling. We urge the government to provide adequate protection and support to law enforcement officers risking their lives to curb this scourge,” the group said.

It added: “The dangers of drug smuggling are real and far-reaching, contributing to addiction, crime and the destruction of lives. We must act now to prevent our country from becoming a haven for drug traffickers. To this end, NAOSS demands stiffer legislation and penalties for smugglers of banned substances. Those found guilty of attacking law enforcement officers should face the full weight of the law. We stand in solidarity with the NCS and will continue to support efforts to combat drug smuggling and related crimes.”