By ZAGAZOLA MAKAMA

A combined team of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers and soldiers on special duty was overpowered by a mob in Agbara, Ogun State, during an operation to intercept a vehicle suspected of conveying cannabis.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday when the team, stationed at Church Gate checkpoint along the Badagry–Lagos Expressway, attempted to stop a bus suspected to be transporting the illicit substance.

According to reports, the bus driver defied the stop order and sped off, prompting the patrol team led by Insp. Ejeh to give a chase, with military support attached to the Seme Command.

The chase extended into Agbara community, where the officers attempted to apprehend the fleeing suspects. However, an irate mob reportedly resisted the arrest, overpowering the patrol team and enabling the suspect to escape.

While the customs personnel managed to retreat, Sgt. Mohammed was left behind and surrounded by the mob before intervention arrived.

However, Army troops reinforcements, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbara Division, ASP Wasa Umaru, and Customs operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene, rescuing the soldier and restoring order.

Zagazola further learnt that Umaru engaged ACP Folashade Tanaruno, Area Commander, Agbara, who in turn contacted the Commanding Officer, 243 Battalion, to ensure military cooperation in resolving the matter.

At the station, the reinforcement team leader, CSC P. I. Umaru, was advised by the DPO to caution his men on the dangers of pursuing suspects into populated areas, given the risks of infractions and mob resistance.

His Royal Highness, Oba Lukmon Agunbiade, the Alagbara of Agbara, was commended for his role in ensuring that peace was maintained and the mob did not harm the soldier.

The situation in Agbara was said to be calm as police and military patrols continued to monitor the area. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)