NCS Addresses Resurfaced Video of 2019 Shooting Incident

.Urges Public to Avoid Sharing Unverified Information

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has addressed a viral video circulating on social media that shows a shooting incident involving its operatives, stating it is an old incident.

In a statement signed on Tuesday, 3 June 2025 by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service confirmed that the incident, which occurred on February 17, 2019, at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State, has been thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions were taken.

According to the statement, the Agency took immediate steps to address the situation when it occurred, including establishing a disciplinary panel to investigate the matter. The officers found culpable were sanctioned, and dismissed.

Press Statement issued on the 19th of February, 2019 by the then National Public Relations Officer for NCS, DC Joseph Attah to address the issue.

The NCS emphasized its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, stating that misconduct by personnel will not be tolerated.

It urged the public to avoid spreading misleading content, but instead should seek accurate information through official channels.

“Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS continues to uphold transparency and respect for the rule of law.

“The Service has implemented strategic measures to strengthen internal controls and enhance personnel training, demonstrating its resolve to build trust and ensure integrity,” Maiwada said.

The statement fully reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media, which captures a tragic shooting incident involving some operatives of the Service. The NCS wishes to categorically state that the incident in question occurred on Sunday, 17 February 2019, and not a recent development, as portrayed by some online platforms.

“Following the ugly occurrence at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State, the Service took immediate steps to address the situation in line with its internal procedures. A public statement was issued at the time, and a disciplinary panel was established to investigate the matter thoroughly. At the end of the process, appropriate sanctions were applied, including the dismissal of the officers found culpable.

“It is pertinent to reiterate that the NCS is a statutory government agency guided by rules of engagement and, therefore, will not condone any misconduct from its personnel. While the video may have resurfaced unexpectedly, the issue had been conclusively addressed, and justice was served in accordance with the Service’s regulations.

“Furthermore, the Service acknowledges the concerns expressed by members of the public regarding the resurfaced video. However, we urge citizens to avoid spreading misleading content and instead seek accurate information through NCS official channels. We deeply value the vigilance and feedback of Nigerians and reaffirm our commitment to delivering professional, accountable service while upholding the principles of integrity and respect for human dignity.

“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his management team, the NCS continues to uphold transparency and respect for the rule of law. This is evident in the strategic measures implemented to strengthen internal controls and capacity building through targeted training programs for personnel. These efforts underscores the Service’s resolve to build trust, ensure integrity, and sustain mutually rewarding partnerships with the public”.