From Suleiman Idris, Lagos.
Custom officials and cargo agents yesterday brought activities at Lagos airport to a halt, as both parties engaged in shouting match.
Cargo operations were disrupted at the Cargo Terminal at the International wing, following the scuffle.
Eyewitnesses said members of the Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents (ANCLA) had resisted a directive by Nigerian Custom Service not to come near the bulk-breaking section of the warehouse, at about 12 noon.
Customs Area Comptroller (CAC), Tajuddeen Olanrewaju was said to have implemented the directive but was allegedly attacked by some agents.
An agent was said to have shoved the CAC, prompting sporadic shots into the sky by his aides.
A team of operatives from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of Nigerian Customs Services, Ikeja Command were mobilised and arrived the scene with four Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) loaded with about 50 fully armed Custom personnel.
The armed Customs men arrived at the terminal and started shooting sporadically into the air, beating anyone in sight. Many of the agents sustained different degree of injuries in the ensuing fracas.
The leadership of both parties could not be reach for comments.
Indications emerged last night that the NAHCO section of the terminal would be temporary closed down.
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