By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has vowed to punish operatives captured in a viral video fighting with the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).
This was disclosed in a statement issued late Tuesday by the National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada.
While acknowledging that the event occurred on Friday, 24 May 2024, at AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office, NCS dissociated itself from the actions of the officers.
The Service disclosed that the officers involved in the regrettable incident were its personnel attached to the Customs Mechanical Unit in Karu Barracks, Abuja.
It said, their condemned behaviour, which appears to be self-motivated, is under thorough investigation, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken to forestall future occurrences.
Emphasising that the incident contradicted the values and operational standards of the NCS, the Service added that such behaviour also undermined one of the key policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, which is to foster collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians and their properties.
It noted that “NCS, under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team, strongly condemns such conduct and does not tolerate any actions that jeopardise the commitment to professionalism and inter-agency cooperation”.
The Service, however, expressed its deepest concern and empathy for those affected by the regrettable incident.
It said, it remains steadfast in its mission to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling to support a more robust and secure economy for all Nigerians.
