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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.
