The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a strong condemnation following a physical altercation between its officers and operatives of the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in Abuja.
This incident, which was captured in a viral video, took place less than a week ago at the AYA Roundabout.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed the incident and announced that an investigation has been launched.
“Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media showing some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a confrontation with Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO). The NCS acknowledges that the event occurred on Friday, 24 May 2024, at AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office,” Maiwada stated.
Maiwada specified that the officers involved were from the Customs Mechanical Unit stationed in Karu Barracks, Abuja. The NCS expressed deep concern and empathy for those affected by the incident and unequivocally distanced itself from the officers’ actions, which were described as self-motivated and unrepresentative of the service’s values.
Maiwada emphasized that the incident contradicts the core values and operational standards of the NCS. He noted that such behavior undermines the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which prioritizes collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.
“The NCS, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team, strongly condemns such conduct and does not tolerate any actions that jeopardize the commitment to professionalism and inter-agency cooperation,” the statement read. “The Service remains steadfast in its mission to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling to support a more robust and secure economy for all Nigerians.”
Maiwada assured the public that thorough investigations are ongoing and that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to prevent future occurrences. He reiterated the NCS’s dedication to maintaining high professional standards and fostering a cooperative environment with other agencies.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professionalism and cooperation among Nigeria’s security and regulatory agencies to ensure the effective functioning of their duties and the safety of the public.
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