Nigeria Customs Service Clarifies Viral Video of Shooting Incident

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has addressed a video circulating widely on social media showing a shooting incident involving its operatives, stressing that the event took place on February 17, 2019, and is not recent as some platforms have implied.

In a statement issued on June 3, 2025 by Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of the Comptroller-General, the Service said, “the incident in question occurred on Sunday, 17 February 2019, and not a recent development, as portrayed by some online platforms.” The video shows a tragic occurrence at the Shagamu Interchange in Ogun State.

The NCS explained that following the incident, “the Service took immediate steps to address the situation in line with its internal procedures.” This included the formation of a disciplinary panel to investigate the matter thoroughly. “At the end of the process, appropriate sanctions were applied, including the dismissal of the officers found culpable,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the NCS said, “We are a statutory government agency guided by rules of engagement and, therefore, will not condone any misconduct from our personnel.” The Service also urged the public to avoid sharing misleading content about the incident, stating, “We urge citizens to seek accurate information through NCS official channels.”

The statement acknowledged public concern but assured Nigerians that the matter was “conclusively addressed, and justice was served in accordance with the Service’s regulations.”

While expressing that that they value the vigilance and feedback of Nigerians and reaffirm their commitment to delivering professional, accountable service while upholding the principles of integrity and respect for human dignity, the NCS "urge citizens to avoid spreading misleading content and instead seek accurate information through NCS official channels".

The statement noted ongoing “strategic measures implemented to strengthen internal controls and capacity building through targeted training programs for personnel.” These efforts, the Service said, underscore its “resolve to build trust, ensure integrity, and sustain mutually rewarding partnerships with the public.”