NIGERIA: Police Force Reaffirms Commitment To Transparent Probe In Osogbo Shooting Incident Involving Customs Officers

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has assured the public and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of a thorough, forensic-led investigation into the fatal shooting incident in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State, which claimed the life of a civilian driver on Sunday.

In a statement issued on Monday by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, the NPF acknowledged widespread public interest and a recent NCS statement calling for a harmonized inquiry.

The Force emphasized that while it recognizes the NCS’s role in anti-smuggling operations, the protection of human life remains the utmost priority.

The incident occurred when two NCS officers, identified as Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, were reportedly pursuing suspected “tokunbo” (foreign-used) vehicles.

The driver of an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla (registration GFQ 0982) was shot during the chase and later confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

The suspects were swiftly arrested by responding police operatives from the Osun State Command and remain in custody to aid the ongoing transparent inquiry. Recovered exhibits include a Beretta pistol (Breech No. 125024), 9mm ballistic evidence (including live rounds and an expanded shell), and related items, all undergoing specialized forensic analysis to align facts with operational Rules of Engagement (ROE).

The investigation is currently being led by the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), with assurances of the highest level of diligence and objectivity.

The NPF described its relationship with the NCS as robust and professional, stressing that the matter concerns individual accountability rather than inter-agency conflict.

“We urge the public to refrain from sensationalizing the event as a conflict between agencies. Both the NPF and NCS are united in the pursuit of justice for the deceased,” the statement read.

The Force extended deepest condolences to the victim’s family and reiterated its commitment to upholding the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, promising a conclusion that ensures justice and transparency.

The NCS has separately confirmed launching its own internal probe into the officers’ conduct during the anti-smuggling operation and supported calls for a joint, objective investigation, including ballistic forensics to determine ammunition origin.

The incident has sparked public outrage in Osun State, with reports of anger at the scene and demands for accountability amid concerns over enforcement tactics in vehicle smuggling crackdowns.

Authorities have appealed for calm as the

harmonized process unfolds.