The Nigeria Customs Service has pledged to take disciplinary action against its officers involved in a confrontation with Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in Abuja.
The Service confirmed that the incident took place on Friday, 24 May 2024, at the Aya Roundabout, near the Abuja VIO Office.
A viral video depicted Customs and Vehicle Inspection Officers engaged in a physical altercation, exchanging verbal insults, and wielding various weapons. Gunshots were heard in the background during the chaotic altercation.
Read the full statement:
PRESS STATEMENT
RE: VIRAL VIDEO OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS IN CONFRONTATION WITH VEHICLE INSPECTION OFFICERS (VIO)
1. Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media showing some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a confrontation with Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO). The NCS acknowledges that the event occurred on Friday, 24 May 2024, at AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office. The officers involved in this regrettable incident are NCS personnel attached to the Customs Mechanical Unit in Karu Barracks, Abuja.
2. The Service wishes to express its deepest concern and empathy for those affected by this regrettable incident. Furthermore, the NCS unequivocally dissociate itself from the actions of these officers. Their condemned behaviour, which appears to be self-motivated, is under thorough investigation, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to forestall future occurrences.
3. It is essential to state that this incident contradicts the values and operational standards of the NCS. Such behaviour undermines one of the key policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which is to foster collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.
4. The NCS, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his Management Team, strongly condemns such conduct and does not tolerate any actions that jeopardise the commitment to professionalism and inter-agency cooperation. The Service remains steadfast in its mission to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling to support a more robust and secure economy for all Nigerians.
ABDULLAHI MAIWADA
Chief Superintendent of Customs
National Public Relations Officer
For Comptroller General of Customs
28 May 2024