The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has responded to a viral video depicting a physical altercation between its officers and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) at the AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office on Friday, May 24.
The video, which gained traction online on Tuesday, May 28, shows Customs officers in a brawl with VIO officers at the VIO premises, with intermittent gunshots heard during the clash.
See video HERE
Police officers later intervened to calm the situation. In a formal statement, Chief Superintendent of Customs and National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada condemned the incident and confirmed an ongoing investigation, promising disciplinary measures to prevent future occurrences.
“Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media showing some officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in a confrontation with Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO),” the statement began.
“The NCS acknowledges that the event occurred on Friday, May 24, 2024, at AYA Roundabout, Abuja VIO Office. The officers involved in this regrettable incident are NCS personnel attached to the Customs Mechanical Unit in Karu Barracks, Abuja.”
The NCS expressed its deepest concern and empathy for those affected by the incident, and unequivocally dissociated itself from the actions of the officers involved.
Maiwada emphasized that the officers’ behavior, which appeared to be self-motivated, is under thorough investigation. Appropriate disciplinary measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This incident contradicts the values and operational standards of the NCS,” the statement continued.
“Such behavior undermines 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.”
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct and maintaining cooperative relationships with other security agencies to safeguard public trust and ensure the safety of all citizens.
