Reps to probe customs over officers’ alleged involvement in smuggling

Reps to probe customs over officers’ alleged involvement in smuggling

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) over reports that its officers aid and abet
smuggling.

 

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance
moved by Sesi Whingan, a lawmaker representing Badagry federal constituency in
Lagos, during plenary on Wednesday.

 

Whingan said the allegations against officers of the service
were “deeply troubling”.

 

“Recent reports by Sahara Reporters on 18 November 2024
exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying six million kilogrammes
of rice through Badagry under the watch of Customs officers,” he said.

 

“Videos published by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo
provided evidence of complicity by Customs officers in these illegal
activities.”

 

He added that the allegations contravene the law
establishing the NCS, noting that the agency is mandated to “prevent smuggling”
and not enable it.

 

The lawmaker said some military officers seconded to the NCS
have also been accused of complicity in the smuggling ring.

 

“Reports of brutality have emerged, including an incident
along the Badagry-Seme Expressway on 1 December 2024, where officers from the
Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with soldiers, violently assaulted
two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik,” he said.

 

“The victims were suspected of documenting smuggling
activities, leading to threats against their lives and a standoff that required
intervention from residents and the police.

 

“The actions of some officers within the Nigeria Customs
Service contravene its core mandate, erode public trust, and raise concerns
about the oversight of joint security operations involving military personnel.

 

“The complicity of customs officers in smuggling operations
and the use of violence to intimidate civilians pose significant risks to
national security, economic stability, and the rule of law.”

 

Subsequently, the house directed its committees on defence
and customs to conduct a probe into the allegations against the officers.

 

The house resolved that the NCS officers and the attached
military officials should be investigated, with the committees given six weeks
to conclude their inquiry.

 

Earlier this year, an undercover investigation by Soyombo
detailed how officers of the NCS allegedly update smugglers on the itinerary of
their colleagues in a bid to facilitate the movement of smuggled goods.

Source: Reps to probe customs over officers’ alleged involvement in smuggling

 - NigerianEye
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