The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised a red flag over an alarming increase in fake recruitment and auction schemes being circulated on social media platforms, warning Nigerians to remain cautious and vigilant.
At a press briefing held on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja, the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed concern over the activities of online fraudsters impersonating senior Customs officers, including the Comptroller-General, to deceive members of the public.
“We have observed a disturbing rise in fake accounts bearing the names and images of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the National PRO, and even retired senior officers, all falsely claiming to offer jobs and auction opportunities,” Maiwada said.
He clarified that the NCS does NOT conduct recruitment or auction exercises through social media platforms, stressing that such claims are criminal attempts to defraud citizens and damage the reputation of the agency.
As part of ongoing crackdowns on such fraudulent activities, the NCS recently arrested one Mr. Okoli Okana Boniface on June 16, 2025, for allegedly manipulating the recruitment process while falsely claiming to be an aide to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
“The case was promptly reported and thoroughly investigated by the Customs Police Unit. Findings confirmed it was a calculated attempt to compromise the integrity of the recruitment exercise,” Maiwada noted.
He said the arrest underlines the Service’s zero-tolerance policy for fraud and its firm commitment to transparency and integrity in its operations. Further investigations are reportedly ongoing to trace other individuals involved in similar scams.
Maiwada also urged the public to confirm any recruitment or auction-related information directly from the Service’s **official communication platforms**, warning that reliance on unverified messages could result in financial losses and legal consequences.
“We advise the public to disregard messages or offers from unverified sources and to rely solely on our verified platforms for accurate information,” he stated.
Reiterating the position of the Comptroller-General of Customs, he added, “The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to identifying, exposing, and prosecuting those who seek to compromise our operations through deceit.”
The Service encouraged citizens to report suspicious messages and fraudulent accounts to the nearest Customs office or appropriate authorities for prompt action.