By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has addressed the controversy surrounding a video of a tragic shooting incident currently circulating on social media, clarifying that the footage is not recent but dates back to 2019.
In a statement issued on Monday, the NCS spokesperson, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed that the incident occurred on Sunday, February 17, 2019, at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State. He added that the matter was thoroughly investigated at the time, and disciplinary action including dismissals was taken against the officers found guilty.
“The Service took immediate steps to address the situation in line with its internal procedures,” the statement read. “A disciplinary panel was established, and appropriate sanctions were applied.”
Maiwada reaffirmed that the NCS, now under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is committed to transparency, rule of law, and professionalism. He emphasized that while the resurfaced video may have triggered renewed public outrage, the Service had already “conclusively addressed” the matter years ago.
“It is pertinent to reiterate that the NCS is a statutory government agency guided by rules of engagement and, therefore, will not condone any misconduct from its personnel,” the spokesperson said.
The NCS urged Nigerians to refrain from spreading outdated or misleading content and to seek accurate information through the Service’s official channels.
“We deeply value the vigilance and feedback of Nigerians and reaffirm our commitment to delivering professional, accountable service while upholding the principles of integrity and respect for human dignity,” the statement added.
Maiwada also highlighted recent internal reforms, including targeted training programs aimed at strengthening the Service’s internal controls and enhancing personnel discipline.
This clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s security agencies and rising concerns over professional conduct, particularly on the part of operatives interacting with civilians.
The House of Representatives, meanwhile, has summoned the Comptroller-General of Customs and other top officials over alleged refusal by some senior officers to retire after their mandatory service years, further spotlighting the agency.
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