Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In Osun State, southwestern Nigeria, police have arrested two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service following a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a driver in Osogbo, the state capital. The incident occurred on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in the Dada Estate area during a chase involving vehicles suspected to be used imported cars, locally referred to as tokunbo vehicles.
The suspects, identified as Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, were taken into custody after police responded to reports of gunfire during the pursuit. The driver of an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla, one of the vehicles being chased, was shot and later confirmed dead at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital. The identity of the victim has not been publicly released, and his body was deposited at a morgue pending further investigation.
Police recovered several items at the scene, including a Beretta pistol with its breech number intact, 11 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, and one expanded 9mm shell casing. Two vehicles, including the ash-coloured Corolla linked to the victim and a white Corolla with Lagos registration AAA 400 GQ, were seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. Authorities have assured the public that anyone found responsible will face legal consequences. Residents have been urged to remain calm and provide credible information to aid the investigation.
Customs officers are regularly involved in anti-smuggling operations across Nigeria, particularly targeting vehicles and goods suspected of evading import duties. However, high-speed pursuits and confrontations during such operations can escalate into dangerous situations on public roads. This incident has renewed discussions about the need for strict enforcement protocols that protect civilians while allowing security agencies to carry out their duties effectively.
The Nigeria Police Force has committed to a transparent and forensic investigation into the incident, with the state Criminal Investigation Department involved to ensure a thorough inquiry. The two customs officers remain in custody as the probe continues.
Residents of Osogbo and nearby communities have expressed shock and concern, calling for transparency and accountability. The investigation aims to establish whether the officers’ actions were justified or if misconduct occurred. The outcome could influence how security agencies conduct high-risk enforcement operations and the mechanisms in place to hold officers accountable for the use of force.
As the inquiry progresses, authorities are appealing for cooperation from the public and emphasizing the importance of following proper procedures in enforcement activities to prevent similar tragic incidents in the future.
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