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The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following allegations of complicity in smuggling activities and brutality against Nigerian citizens.
This decision was made during a plenary session on Wednesday, where the House mandated its Committees on Customs and Excise, alongside Defence, to conduct a thorough examination of the NCS’s operations at the nation’s borders.
The investigation aims to uncover the extent of the NCS’s involvement in aiding smuggling and to address reports of human rights abuses by Customs officers.
The House has also directed the Committees to scrutinize the role of military personnel attached to Customs patrols, ensuring their actions align with legal frameworks and uphold human rights standards.
Motion of Urgent Public Importance
The resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep. Sesi Whingan.
In his motion, Rep. Whingan highlighted the responsibilities of the NCS as outlined in Section 4 (b, e, and f) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. These responsibilities include revenue collection, smuggling prevention, and border security.
However, Rep. Whingan alleged that recent reports indicate a failure by the NCS to prevent smuggling. Instead, there are claims that Customs personnel are actively involved in facilitating these illegal activities.
He cited a report by Sahara Reporters dated November 18, 2024, which exposed the mass smuggling of over 2,000 cars carrying 6,500,000kg of rice through Badagry, allegedly under the supervision of Customs officers.
Evidence of Complicity and Brutality
Further evidence of the NCS’s complicity in smuggling was provided by investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, whose videos documented the involvement of Customs officers in these illegal activities.
In addition to smuggling, there have been numerous reports of brutality by Customs officers against citizens attempting to expose their misconduct.
Rep. Whingan recounted an incident on December 1, 2024, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway, where Customs officers, in collaboration with soldiers, allegedly assaulted two transporters, Taofeek Olatunbosun and Rafiu Abdelmalik. These reports of brutality have raised serious concerns about the conduct of Customs personnel and their adherence to human rights standards.
Call for Accountability
The House of Representatives’ decision to probe the NCS underscores the need for accountability and transparency within the agency.
The investigation will seek to ensure that the NCS fulfills its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s borders and upholding the law, without engaging in activities that undermine national security and violate citizens’ rights.
The Committees on Customs and Excise, and Defence are expected to report their findings to the House, which will then determine the appropriate actions to address the issues uncovered during the investigation.
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