Badagry Residents Clash with Customs Officers Over Raid on Rice Stores

 By: Manoah kikekon 

Photo used to illustrate the story 

Residents of Badagry, Lagos, resisted an attempted raid by Nigeria Customs Service officers on rice stores near the Badagry Roundabout, an area located about 100 kilometers from the Seme Border.  

The incident occurred on Friday around 4 p.m. when customs officers stormed the rice stores at Roundabout. However, the locals confronted them, forcing a retreat. Reports indicate that the officers vowed to return at night.  

In this year alone, the Nigeria Customs Service has repeatedly raided rice stores in Badagry and neighboring communities, despite the area's significant distance from the Seme Border.  

According to eyewitness Mutin Jimor, who spoke with News Peddlers*l, this marks the fourth time customs officers have raided the area this year, seizing over 700 bags of rice from local traders.  

"They usually come at night, firing gunshots to scare people before breaking into stores. But this time, they came during the day, and the people were ready. As soon as the officers started shooting, the residents retaliated by throwing stones, forcing the customs officers to retreat," Jimor explained. 

Pius Waliu, a local bread seller, credited the residents' bravery for preventing further intimidation.  

"If not for the people standing their ground and stoning the officers despite the gunfire, the situation would have been worse. The officers had no choice but to flee," Waliu said.  

CSP Folajimi Ogoshile, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Badagry Police Station, swiftly arrived at the scene to restore order. He described the clash as "unfortunate" but assured residents that normalcy had been restored.  

"There is no need for panic. The situation is under control," Ogoshile stated.  

The customs officers involved were reportedly from the Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Gbaji along the Seme Expressway. Despite Badagry's distance from the border, customs officials have continued confiscating rice, citing smuggling concerns.  

This latest clash highlights growing tensions between traders and customs operatives over frequent seizures, raising questions about the legality and methods of enforcement in the region. 

As at the time this report was gathered the road was lettered with stones.