Osogbo Gunfire Incident: Authorities Vow to Conduct Open and Scientific Investigation

The Nigeria Police Force has given an assurance of a thorough and transparent investigation into the fatal shooting incident that occurred in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State, which involved two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and resulted in the death of a civilian.

n

This assurance was made in response to growing public concern over the incident, as well as a reaction from the Customs Service, with the police acknowledging the NCS's role in anti-smuggling operations while emphasizing the importance of upholding the sanctity of human life.

n

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken note of the Customs Service's call for a harmonised investigation and has assured that the probe, currently being handled by the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department, will be conducted with the highest level of forensic diligence.

n

The two suspects, Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, are currently in custody to assist with the ongoing investigation, which involves the examination of recovered exhibits, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024 and 9mm ballistic evidence.

n

These exhibits are undergoing specialised forensic analysis to establish the facts and determine whether the actions taken complied with established Rules of Engagement, with the police emphasizing that the relationship between the police and the Customs Service remains professional and strong.

n

The police have warned against attempts to portray the tragic incident as an inter-agency conflict, stating that the matter is being treated as one of individual professional accountability, with the NPF and NCS maintaining a robust and professional relationship.

n

The police have also urged the public to avoid sensationalising the matter, noting that both agencies remain committed to ensuring justice for the deceased, with the Force extending condolences to the victim's family and pledging that the outcome of the investigation would reflect the rule of law and the principles of justice under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

n

Earlier, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that the shooting incident occurred on March 15, 2026, in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, with the two Customs officers reportedly pursuing suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles when the incident occurred.

n

The suspects were arrested by police operatives who responded to the scene, and during the incident, the driver of an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla was shot and later confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

n

The body of the deceased has been deposited in the hospital morgue, although his identity has yet to be confirmed, with items recovered at the scene including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one expanded 9mm shell, a white Toyota Corolla with registration number AAA 400 GQ, and an ash Toyota Corolla with registration number GFQ 0982.

n

The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, with the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service expressing sadness over the development.

n

The command noted that its officers were on routine enforcement duty along the Osogbo axis attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles, and while it deeply regrets the loss of life, it has extended condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that enforcement operations are carried out with professionalism and respect for human life.

n

The Customs Service has also begun its own internal review of the incident, including an audit of the operational mandates of the officers involved, to determine whether their actions complied with the service's Rules of Engagement, and has expressed support for a harmonised and objective investigation that will consider all forensic evidence.