Dec. 3, 2024

Two Customs officers in Seme Command have been identified and arrested for involvement in the assault of members of the public, captured in a recent video recording that went viral.

The Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Comptroller Kayode Kolade, made this known on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen in Seme.

He said that the two officers were arrested based on preliminary investigation into the matter.

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

The officers suspected them 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.

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

“The behavior 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,” he said.

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

“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,” he said. (NAN)