The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has addressed a resurfacing video depicting a shooting incident involving its officers, clarifying that the event is not recent but occurred in 2019. The video, which recently gained traction on social media, portrays an incident that transpired at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State on Sunday, February 17, 2019. The NCS, in a statement released by its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasized that the incident is not a new development and that decisive action was taken at the time. This clarification aims to counter misinformation circulating online, which presented the incident as a recent occurrence. The Service’s prompt response underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing matters concerning its personnel and operations.
Following the 2019 incident, the NCS initiated a comprehensive investigation through a disciplinary panel. This panel meticulously reviewed the details of the event, ensuring a thorough examination of the officers’ conduct. Upon concluding its investigation, the panel recommended appropriate sanctions, including the dismissal of officers deemed culpable for their involvement in the shooting. A public statement was issued at the time, detailing the incident and the subsequent actions taken by the Service. This transparent approach, coupled with the implementation of sanctions, reflects the NCS’s dedication to upholding professionalism within its ranks and ensuring accountability for any misconduct.
The resurfacing of the video, albeit years later, prompted the NCS to reiterate its commitment to professional conduct within the organization. The Service acknowledges the potential for such outdated content to create confusion and misrepresent its current practices. By restating its previous actions and emphasizing that justice was served, the NCS aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and reassure the public of its unwavering commitment to upholding the law and maintaining ethical standards among its personnel. The incident serves as a reminder of the Service’s internal mechanisms for addressing misconduct and ensuring accountability.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS is dedicated to continuous improvement and the strengthening of its internal control mechanisms. This includes enhancing personnel training programs focused on ethical conduct, professional standards, and appropriate use of force. The Service recognizes that maintaining public trust requires consistent efforts towards improving its operations and ensuring that its officers are equipped to handle various situations professionally and responsibly. The aim is to prevent future incidents and foster greater public confidence in the NCS.
The NCS urges the public to exercise caution when encountering information shared online and to rely on official sources for accurate reporting. The rapid spread of information in the digital age necessitates careful discernment and the verification of information before sharing. The Service emphasizes the importance of seeking official statements and avoiding the dissemination of potentially misleading content. This proactive approach to information management is crucial in mitigating the spread of misinformation and promoting a clearer understanding of the NCS’s operations and commitment to accountability.
The 2019 incident and its recent resurfacing highlight the NCS’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operations and maintain public trust. The Service’s commitment to transparent investigations, the application of appropriate sanctions, and the emphasis on continuous improvement demonstrates its dedication to maintaining a high level of professionalism and accountability. By proactively addressing this issue and clarifying the timeline, the NCS aims to prevent further misinterpretations and reaffirm its commitment to serving the public with integrity. The Service’s continuous efforts towards improvement underscore its dedication to learning from past incidents and strengthening its operational framework for the future.
