Customs, police launch investigation into fatal shooting in Osogbo

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force say investigations are under way following a shooting incident in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo that resulted in the death of a civilian.

According to a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of Customs, Abdulmalik Akintola, preliminary information indicates that officers attached to the Command’s patrol team were on routine enforcement duty along the Osogbo axis on 15 March 2026 when the incident occurred. The officers were attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles, popularly known as “Tokunbo”.

The Customs Service said the operation was in line with its statutory responsibility to suppress smuggling and enforce trade regulations, butexpressed regret over the loss of life recorded during the incident. The Command extended condolences to the family of the deceased, stressing that it recognises the sanctity of human life and remains committed to conducting enforcement operations with professionalism.

It added that a thorough internal review had begun to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident, including an audit of the operational conduct of the officers involved, identified as Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, to establish whether their actions complied with the Service’s Rules of Engagement.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the two suspects are currently in custody as part of a broader investigation being led by the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department.

In a separate statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police said the investigation would be conducted with what it described as “the highest level of forensic diligence”.

Police said exhibits recovered from the suspects — including a Beretta pistol and 9mm ballistic evidence — were undergoing specialised analysis to determine how the weapon was used and whether the officers’ actions aligned with operational rules.

The force also acknowledged the Customs Service’s call for a harmonised investigation, noting that both agencies maintain a professional working relationship and are united in ensuring justice for the deceased.

The police urged the public not to portray the incident as a conflict between security agenciesdescribing it instead as a matter of individual professional accountability.

Both the police and Customs Service extended their condolences to the victim’s family and said the outcome of the investigation would guide further actions in line with Nigerian law.