The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, has said a smuggler was accidentally killed in the Badagry area of Lagos State.

The Public Relations Officer, FOU Zone A, Theophilus Duniya, confirmed the development on Tuesday in Badagry.

Mr Duniya said that a group of men armed with charms and machetes attacked the team while evacuating smuggled rice.

He said, “They injured a customs officer in the face and a soldier in the leg. Our personnel, acting in self-defence, neutralised the leader of the gang to prevent him from inflicting more injuries on them. The gang leader was evacuated for immediate medical attention but unfortunately, died on the way to the hospital.’’

Mr Daniya urged parents and community leaders to discourage their children from engaging in crimes that could put their well-being and other citizens at risk.

The incident occurred on Sunday when the middle-aged smuggler and his gang allegedly attacked the customs officers.

It was learnt that the incident took place in Erekiti, a border town in the Badagry area, around 4 a.m.

Locals identified the late leader of the gang as Saka Wakilu.

(NAN)