The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has condemned the violent and unprovoked attack on its enforcement officers and operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during an anti-piracy operation in Sagamu, Ogun State. The incident occurred on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Sabo Market, where the commission's officers were carrying out a routine enforcement exercise against the sale of pirated books.
According to the commission, its enforcement team had successfully identified and impounded pirated books from an unmarked shop in the market when they were suddenly ambushed by unidentified persons. The attackers, in a coordinated and brazen manner, attempted to obstruct the lawful activities of the officers, leading to chaos in the market.
In a statement released by the commission's management, the NCC commended its personnel and the supporting NSCDC officers for maintaining restraint in the face of provocation and for their gallantry in carrying out their duties under challenging circumstances.
"We salute their commitment to the renewed campaign against copyright piracy and their determination to disrupt unwholesome practices that threaten Nigeria's creative industries," the statement read.
The Commission reaffirmed that the attack would not deter its operations. It stressed that working in collaboration with relevant authorities and market executives, efforts were already underway to identify the perpetrators of the assault and bring them to justice. The NCC reminded the public that under the Copyright Act, it is a criminal offence to obstruct, hinder, assault, or impede a copyright officer in the lawful performance of his duties or in exercising powers conferred by law.
"The Nigerian Copyright Commission remains resolute in its mission to eradicate piracy and ensure that Nigerian creators fully enjoy the benefits of their intellectual labour," the management declared, adding, "We will not relent in fulfilling our statutory mandate, particularly at this critical time when the Federal Government is prioritising the creative and copyright-based industries as engines for employment generation, wealth creation, and national development."
The Commission also used the opportunity to call for greater collaboration in the ongoing fight against piracy. It appealed to market executives, community leaders, school proprietors, industry stakeholders, and the general public to partner with the NCC in safeguarding intellectual property rights.
"Piracy robs creators of their livelihoods, undermines the growth of the creative economy, and hampers Nigeria's cultural and economic progress," the statement emphasised. "This fight cannot be won by the Commission alone. It requires the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that our creative talents are protected and rewarded."