By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has explained away a viral video of an officer allegedly shooting to death a citizen along Lagos-Benin Expressway.
The NSC, in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer (NPRO), Abdullahi Maiwada, on Wednesday, June 4, said the particular incident occurred in 2019 at Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State, adding that the Service took appropriate steps at the time.
Maiwada said: “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, which captures a tragic shooting incident involving some operatives of the Service.
“The NCS wishes to categorically state that the incident in question occurred on Sunday, 17 February 2019, and not a recent development, as portrayed by some online platforms.”
He said the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, would not tolerate indiscipline in the Service.
“Following the ugly occurrence at the Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State, the Service took immediate steps to address the situation, in line with its internal procedures.
“A public statement was issued at the time, and a disciplinary panel was established to investigate the matter thoroughly. At the end of the process, appropriate sanctions were applied, including the dismissal of the officers found culpable.
“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.
“While the video may have resurfaced unexpectedly, the issue had been conclusively addressed, and justice was served in accordance with the Service’s regulations.
“Furthermore, the Service acknowledges the concerns expressed by members of the public regarding the resurfaced video.
“However, we urge citizens to avoid spreading misleading content and instead seek accurate information through NCS 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.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team, the NCS continues to uphold transparency and respect for the rule of law.
“This is evident in the strategic measures implemented to strengthen internal controls and capacity building through targeted training programmes for personnel. These efforts underscore the Service’s resolve to build trust, ensure integrity, and sustain mutually rewarding partnerships with the public.”
