Customs arrests officers for assaulting residents

Two Nigeria Customs Service officers in Seme Command have been identified and arrested for their involvement in the assault of residents in Seme.

The Customs Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Kayode Kolade, made this known while addressing newsmen in Seme on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Kolade said the two officers were arrested based on a preliminary investigation into the matter.

Two residents were on Sunday seen in a video being brutalised by Customs officers at a checkpoint along the Badagry-Seme expressway after they were caught recording a video.

The officers suspected the residents of being informants supplying journalists with information about smuggling activities on the road.

On Monday, the command said it had started an investigation into the incident.

Giving an update on Tuesday, Kolade said the two identified officers would be handed over to the Customs Police Unit for further investigation.

Customs probes officers for assaulting residents

He stated: “The behaviour of these officers does not reflect the professional practice of the service, especially now that the Service is committed to holding its officers to the highest standard of integrity and professionalism

“The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, condemned in strong terms the unethical conduct of these officers.

“Adeniyi has directed that the officers be taken to the NCS Headquarters for a full-scale investigation and decisive disciplinary measures.”

Kolade, who was represented by the Command Officer in charge of Enforcement, Deputy Comptroller Istifanus Musa, urged the complainants to make themselves available to assist in the ongoing investigation.

He added: “The Service remains committed to ensuring transparency in all its operational mandates.

“As such, it will not condone any form of misconduct within its ranks and will continue to work for the overall interest of the Nigerian public.”

The Star