The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has clarified that a viral video showing a shooting incident involving its operatives is not a recent occurrence but an old case from February 2019, which has since been addressed with disciplinary action taken against those involved.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service explained that the video currently circulating on social media was from an incident that happened at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State over six years ago.
The statement noted that the Service took immediate action following the incident by initiating a full investigation and establishing a disciplinary panel. Officers found culpable were sanctioned accordingly, including dismissals in line with internal procedures.
“The Service 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,” the statement read.
The NCS urged the public to refrain from spreading outdated or misleading content and instead rely on verified information available through its official communication channels. The Service acknowledged the public concern sparked by the resurfaced footage but emphasized that the matter had been conclusively resolved and justice duly served.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and accountability, the NCS stated that it operates strictly within the bounds of its rules of engagement and does not condone any form of misconduct.
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the statement highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen internal controls, enhance transparency, and promote ethical conduct among officers through targeted training and capacity-building programs.
“These efforts underscore the Service’s resolve to build trust, ensure integrity, and sustain mutually rewarding partnerships with the public,” the statement added.
The NCS also thanked Nigerians for their vigilance and constructive feedback, noting that such engagement helps in refining the institution’s service delivery and reinforces its commitment to upholding human dignity.